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This plate contains harmful imagery and language including the use of the term insane.
Historic New England acknowledges historical records / objects may contain harmful imagery and language reflecting attitudes and biases of their creators and time in which they were made. Historic New England does not alter or edit objects and / or historical text.
DESCRIPTION:
Blue transfer-printed pearlware plate. Floral border surrounding a central scene illustrating the Boston Insane Hospital. (Inscription on the verso Insane Hospital/Boston)
plates (dishes)
earthenware
transfer printing
glazing (coating)
pearlware
Dish, Eating
Plate, Food
Plate, Food
One of many views related to the early United States and its history that appear in the online exhibit "Patriotic America."
In 1816 the Charlestown home of Joseph Barrell, which was designed by Charles Bulfinch, was bought by the Massachusetts General Hospital Corporation for use as an asylum. It opened in 1818 and was named "McLean" for John McLean who was a major donor to Massachusetts General.
"BEAUTIES OF AMERICA/ INSANE HOSPITAL/ BOSTON/ J&W RIDGWAY" (printed)
Beauties of America
Subject Insane Hospital,
Insane Hospital
Ridgway, John and William, 1814 F-1830 (Maker)
Hanley, England, STAFFORDSHIRE; Hanley, England, Staffordshire
3/4 (H), 7 1/8 (diameter) (inches)
Gift of Mrs. Charles I. Thayer
1920.685
Historic New England is committed to implementing reparative language description for existing collections and creating respectful and inclusive language description for new collections. If you encounter language in Historic England's Collections Access Portal that is harmful or offensive, or you find materials that would benefit from a content warning, please contact [email protected].
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