Little and Large studs

Historical Information

Type: Blue and White Transferware

Fabric: Earthenware

Date: Early 18th Century

Find Location: The Thames Estuary, UK

Extra information:

This is a small sherd of Blue and White Transferware. It was sea-rolled and has been cleaned and shaped.

The "transfer" process, developed in 1760 England, allowed for the mass production of lovely dishes, making them more affordable for the common folk. Barly manufacturers of Bnglish 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-fired.