Transferware And the Numerous Patterns

What is transferware?

Transfer printing as a decorative technique was developed in England in the mid-1750s, particularly in the Staffordshire region.

The transferware process began when a flat copper plate was engraved with a desired pattern in much the same way that plates that were used to make paper engravings were produced. The grooves of the design were filled with paint , then the item was heated in a kiln (a super hot oven). The pattern ingredients fused with the surface and the pattern became a permanent part of the plate or thus transferred. While produced primarily on earthenware, transfer prints are
also found on ironstone, porcelain and bone china.

The decorative themes of the patterns found are numerous and varied and reflect the popular artistic tastes of the times when the pieces were made. Early patterns sought to emulate Chinese designs. Later patterns depicted figural and scenic designs of a historical or romantic nature, and of course floral patterns were very popular. Animal, bird, and portrait themes are found to a lesser extent.

The combination of underglaze decoration and transfer printing revolutionized the English ceramic industry. When these processes were perfected, ceramics could be decorated quickly, efficiently and inexpensively. Attractive patterns with elaborate details could be applied to all manner of tablewares and accessories, making matched sets possible and also affordable for the mass population.

Most transferware patterns sought by collectors today are two-tone in color. Blue and white, red and white and brown and white are the most common colors.

Valuable English pieces made in the 1700s through the late 1800s are rarely offered for sale in antique shops now. Available more readily are pieces made during the 20th century. While they’re not as valuable, they are just as attractive visually.

The first (and still most popular) color was blue; later came brown, black, purple, green, red - even pink and yellow. Yellow is the rarest transferware color and in antiques the most expensive.

I have found a number of pieces of very beautiful transferware at some recent
auctions and flea markets.

J.H. Weatherby

This beautiful covered vegetable dish is a great find for collectors of old Staffordshire, of transferware and collectors of unique semi porcelain pieces. This dish is in the “Ideal” pattern by J. H. Weatherby & Sons of Hanley, Staffordshire, England. The backstamp of a flag with a cross is listed between 1892 and 1924. In 1925 the Weatherby stamp had “Falconware” on it. The vegetable dish is decorated around the rim featuring a green transfer design of scrolls, links and other geometric designs. The rim is scalloped and edged in gold gilt. The dish is 11 1/2" long including the handles, 9 1/" inside, 6 3/4" across, 3" deep and 5 1/2" deep with the lid. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or discoloration and makes a statement on a table of elegance.

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