Handpainted patterns on white plates

Also interestingly Forma 012 colour white I don't think we have that and also 1974 written underneath the Backstamp.

I also have this one too

Are these homers?

I heard that when staff had "time to spare" they were allowed to practice painting on plates.... sounds like a Friday afternoon thing hahaha

China painting was a huge hobby in the 70's 80's and 90's and probably still is.  Usually using white blank crockery and painted then fired to the china paint temperature.  Western Potters took classes for years and supplied the blanks and the china paints and even did the firings. You occasionally see pieces on Trade Me that have been done this way.
Yes the designers were let loose to do what they wanted to when things were quiet I was told by one, but I doubt if they would have signed their work as these have been.

Last week Ev and I went to see Kathy and Quentin Whitehouse - and among other things we talked about hand-painting china. Back in the day, Quentin and Cathy (as Western Potters Supplies) supplied and supported a busy club of local hand-painters. The group has just wound up.  
Most hand-painted ware is a bit prissy for my taste, but this vase (quite tall at 30cm) caught my eye. It is now sitting slightly uneasily on my shelf next to my bolder Stage Artware and Christine Harris.
Until I talked to Ev and Quentin and Cathy, I didn't realise how much time and work went into these pieces. Paint was gradually layered on, with multiple firings to get the rich effect.
This vase was hand-painted by Jan Hill in Ashurst. She was sufficiently professional to have her own proper lettered backstamp, rather than a hand-brushed signature used by many painters.