‘Once Upon A Time … In Blue and White’: The Story of the Willow Pattern Plate

Presented by Amanda Herries

Two lovers meeting underneath the orange tree, an elopement, a fierce father and jilted suitor; pursuit across a bridge and into a little boat; tragedy and death. Two love-birds flying together forever – all under the gentle sway of the willow tree – on the instantly recognisable ‘Willow Pattern Plate’. From the early nineteenth century it was well-known and much loved design on thousands of English teapots, plates and dishes. Is it Chinese? Is it English? With one or two surprises, the story behind this famous image takes us from the origins of blue and white designs in the exotic East to the emerging wealth of the Midlands pottery towns.

Dates and Locations

Wednesday 28 October 2026 Toowoomba (QLD)

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