Pastel colours floral mudlarked pottery sherd pendant

Historical Information
Type: Transferware
Fabric: Earthenware
Date: Early 20th Century
Find Location: The Thames Estuary, UK
Extra Information:
This is a sherd of beautiful floral transferware that has been transfer-printed. It was sea-rolled and has been cleaned and shaped.

The transfer process, developed in England in 1760, allowed for the mass production of decorative dishes, making them more affordable for the 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 ink, and then print the image onto tissue paper. The paper would then be pressed onto a dish and kiln-fired.