Catherine Phelps | Hibiscus Fledglings

A new collection of plates by Catherine Phelps draws upon her love for Spanish history and showcases a new glaze combination which is inspired by Elizabethan ‘blackwork’ embroidery. 

Catherine Phelps’ collection plays with the idea of freedom and entrapment. The birds, classically being the symbol of liberty, are caught up in the twisting tendrils of the briar and hibiscus that both encase and protect them.

The striking simplicity of the plates, created with a milky winter-white glaze over a very dark, iron-based brown, takes inspiration from the embroidery technique of the period. Known as Spanish (or Elizabethan) blackwork, it was used to dramatic effect on chemises, shirts and smocks in England from the early 16th century. The common name "Spanish work" was based on the popular belief that Joanna’s sister, Catherine of Aragon, brought many blackwork garments to England with her from Spain.