Medieval Style, Large English-Made Decorative Plaster Plaque Depicting King Richard III On Horseback In Original Polychrome

A highly decorative Medieval-style plaster plaque in original polychrome depicting King Richard III on horseback. 

It is a little later in date than what we would usually sell however the subject matter, size, high-detail and polychrome appealed to us.

The plaque is decorated to the top left with a crest and crown and the coat of arms of Richard III flanked with swags. To the centre, his full length image, riding proudly upon his horse, his helmet capped with crest and crown in his left hand and wearing full battle regalia/armour. To the bottom right are the other symbols representing him; the boar and the red rose of the House of Lancaster above. Also inscribed Richard III.

About the maker:

The plaque was modelled and made by David H Morton. Designs were the concept of David who lived in Bottesford in North-East Leicestershire and he made the decorative plaques, mainly of medieval design, from the late 1960's - until sometime in the 1980's under the banner of "Marcus Designs." One early type of plaque featured the design of a greek coin. As manufacturing processes improved, the size and complexity of the plaques grew and developed with some freizes of medieval battles extending up to 7 feet in length!

The plaques were issued with hand-written cards in Old English Gothic Script and would describe the scene even down to the detail of what the subjects were depicted wearing. The card would always close by stating "These hand-made reliefs are reproduced with artistic skill from sculpture by D.H. Morton. A specially developed colouring process further enhances the relief, which is authentically based on the mediaeval period. To maintain its' beauty, occasionally dust with a soft dry cloth -- care should be taken in handling."

The production of these plaques ceased during the early 1980's when demand started to decline. The company ultimately closed down consigning these plaques and their production to history. Few plaques now exist therefore making them again collectable in their own right.

Provenance - Unknown.

Condition - Please refer to the images. There is some surface wear commensurate with age. A further detailed condition report is available upon request. 

Size - 39 cm x 36 cm x 3 cm (15 1/3" x 14 1/5" x 1 1/5")