Large Floral drop Mudlarked Pottery Earrings

Historical Information

Type: Blue and White Transferware Pattern
Fabric: Earthenware
Date: 19th Century
Find Location: Essex, UK

Extra Information:
These are sherds of beautiful blue and white, floral, underglazed earthenware that has been transfer printed. They were sea-rolled when found and have been cleaned and protected in resin.

The transfer process, developed in 1760 in England, allowed for the mass production of decorative dishes, making them more affordable for common folk. Early manufacturers of English transferware included well-known potteries such as Wedgwood and Copeland-Spode.

These potteries produced thousands of patterns in various colours (with black and mulberry being the rarest) on different types of ceramic, including earthenware, porcelain, and ironstone. Artists would etch designs onto copper plates, cover them with paint, and then print the image onto tissue paper. The paper would then be pressed onto a dish and kiln-fired.

The findings on these earrings are gold coloured Stainless Steel and the piece of pottery is coated in resin for protection and preservation.