Blue and white transferware sherds

Historical Information

Type: Blue and White Transferware Pattern

Pabric: Earthenware

Date: 19th Century

Find Location: Essex, UK

Extra information:

These are sherds of beautiful Blue and White, Floral, under painted Earthenware that has been transfer printed. They have been sea-rolled when found and have been cleaned and protected in resin.

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

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