An engraving titled "Library and Surgeons' Hall on Fifth Street, Philadelphia" (shortened to "Philadelphia Library") served as the source for this deep blue transfer salad plate in John and William Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series. The 1791 neo-classical building is viewed across a paved expanse, the breadth of which is defined by the fence in the foreground and its scale indicated by scattered passers-by. A distant building to the left further establishes the urban setting. Details of the porticoed building include a statue in the niche above the door. The man depicted was none other than Ben Franklin, an acknowledgement of his role in the initial establishment of the institution.

A string of roughly leaf-shape oval reserves, each containing a single blossom, decorates the flange of theplate.  This border is employed for the entire "Beauties of America" series.

The transfer ware patterns featuring series of American views by Adams, Wood and Clews tended to celebrate the natural scenery of North America.  John and William Ridgway run counter to this approach in their "Beauties of America" series.  This series of twenty plus views focuses more on buildings reflecting the civic, religious, commercial, and charitable life of the new nation.  The views which originate from locales throughout the land feature institutions such as the Philadelphia Library,  Octagon Church, Boston, the Exchange, Charleston (S.C.) and the Hartford Deaf & Dumb Asylum.  Of course the series also includes a view of Mount Vernon, the Masonic Hall, Philadelphia and the Capitol at Washington, D.C.

For a complete list of the views accompanied by her excellent scholarship, we recommend Ellouise Baker Larsen's American Historical Views On Staffordshire China.  The Philadelphia Library view is catalog number 181 (p. 92, Dover Edition, 1975).