The 400th anniversary of the birth of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) prompted the production of a variety of souvenir objects, reviving the 19th century tradition of celebrating theatrical stars in jugs, plates, figurines and other souvenir objects. This plate was produced by Royal Doulton, the firm that began in Lambeth, London, when John Doulton manufactured ceramic items such as stoneware bottles and sewer pipes. The Victorian revolution in hygiene and sanitation ensured its success, and Doulton later produced tableware and commemorative items. The firm expanded in 1882, purchasing a factory in Burslem in the Staffordshire Potteries area, and adding porcelain to its production two years later. It was granted a Royal Warrant in 1901. The Lambeth factory closed in 1956.

The image of Shakespeare on this plate was based on the copper plate engraving by Martin Droeshout, published as a frontispiece to the First Folio of Shakespeare's works in 1623. Since Droeshout was only fifteen when Shakespeare died, it is unlikely that artist and subject ever met. The image is thought to be based on descriptions by Shakspeare's fellow actors.