The Staffordshire Mezzanine aka Meat Strainers / Drainers

From the early 19th century, most dinner sets included a drainer, or mezannine as they are often called, which was flat and had a hole in the center, with smaller holes all around it. This drainer would fit inside a large serving dish and would have been used when serving meat, particularly fish, to drain the juices.


From my personal collection are these two examples below.
Copeland Spode, circa 1860 Duncan Rural Scenes with Hops Border

Did you recognize them?  You're used to seeing them with my canine collection displayed on them.

I decided to do this post because each time I show you all my doggies I have several comments and emails from you asking about the drainers.  Most of the time, you all tell me you had never heard of or seen them before so, I decided to gather some photographs and examples of these to share with you.

Here is a rare, Chinese influenced piece with a camel and giraffe amongst exotic foliage.

From Wedgwood, circa 1846, is this drainer in the Bouquet pattern.

Classic Blue Willow, early 19C

I am planning a post which will feature many plates from this Aesthetic Movement pattern by Brown Westhead and Moore entitled Gainsboro.  The transfer on this and the corresponding pieces in this set are impeccably rendered and very striking.  You'll love seeing all the various fruits, but for now here is the meat drainer.

From Brownfields, a pretty floral drainer in a lovely gray transfer.

Next is an early example attributed to John & William Ridgway in the India Vase pattern, circa 1825.

Pretty lavender colored transferware by Burgess and Leigh in the Paris Plum pattern, circa 1870

This impressive example is an ivory colored polychrome transfer ware fish platter complete with is original drainer insert.  It was made by Powell, Bishop & Stonier,  circa 1878-1890,  and is decorated in the Aesthetic style with the sweetest songbirds perched amongst  flowering tree branches, and dragonflies buzzing about.  This oblong platter measures over 21" in length!  You can see how the drainer is made to fit into the platter.

Here we have yet another Powell, Bishop & Stonier Potteries set.  The pattern is London, circa 1882, and is a relish or berry server of sorts printed in brown and renders meticulous hand painted detail in a plethora of vivid, natural colors.  It depicts exotic flowers, birds and so indicative of the Aesthetic movement, an inset featuring the Horseguards; the London stables during the Victorian era.

This very rare strawberry dish by Copeland (Spode), also from the Aesthetic Movement, features images in dark sepia brown transfers of a butterfly amongst wild grasses in interior of the bowl.  

I have several pieces of this pattern, Daisy, in my shop. The exterior is embellished with a ring of daisies which have been tinted in a rich palette of green, turquoise, ochre glazes and luster glazes. With its open lattice work sides, reminiscent of earlier creamware pieces, and the drainage holes in the base, this piece is remarkable. Reticulated handles and four feet have accented gold flora and scrolls adding a special touch. The underplate also has the butterfly grasses and daisy motifs.

Back to the more common type of meat drainer inserts. These next few examples are each paired with their respective meat platter.


From the Aesthetic Movement, this Doulton's piece is a wonderful polychrome example in the Oxford pattern, circa 1882.  

 19C Blue Willow adaptation 

And again, from the Aesthetic Movement this pattern is Palmyra by Sampson Hancock & Sons, circa 1880's.  I have several polychrome plates in my shop HERE where you can also read about the pattern and the potter.

Here's a small drainer from my collection as well.  You've seen this pattern here quite a bit because it's one of my favorites; Spode Byron, circa 1930's.

Drainers are seldom used anymore but they are very collectible, and displayable.  In one of my all time favorite dining room photos, look what Charles Faudree crowned this wallscape with.  See the holes in the top, center piece over the painting?  Yep, it's a Staffordshire transferware mezzanine!

Lastly, this isn't transferware obviously but it is a wonderful, whimsical creamware example of a 19C meat drainer.

Hope you all liked seeing these.  Have a wonderful weekend!

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