John Simpson (1811-1884) was the eldest son of Mundy Simpson, the Derby gilder and Japan painter. After leaving Derby in about 1834, he joined the Minton factory where he was employed as principal figure painter, circa 1837-1847. See Geoffrey A. Godden, Minton Pottery and Porcelain of the First Period 1793-1850, pls. 154 and 156 for similar examples of plaques painted by this artist. See also a collection of portrait plaques from the Geoffrey Godden Reference Collection, sold in these Rooms, 12 October 1987