Database of Patterns & Sources Count

17,711 patterns, 1,102 sources now available in the Database Patterns and Sources.

November eNews 2022

Dear Transferware Enthusiasts:
We're pleased to send you this edition of our eNewsletter to give you the latest club news informing you of up-coming club activities and interesting new content on our web site and our Facebook page. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and input; email the TCC Web Content Administrator webadministrator@transferwarecollectorsclub.org.
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TCC 2022 ANNUAL MEETING REPORTS

The TCC offered three meetings (two in-person and one virtual) in October. Links to reports of the two in-person meetings, held October 15 in San Francisco, CA, and October 22 in Deerfield, MA, follow. San Francisco Meeting Report. Historic Deerfield Meeting Report. Two recorded lectures from the Historic Deerfield meeting have been made available for a limited period (see Video of the Month below). A report on the Virtual National Meeting, held October 30, will be presented in the December TCC eNews.

Fourteen TCC members met on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the home of Michael Sack for the sixth TCC West Coast Regional Meeting.

At the East Coast Meeting, Dan Sousa gave a lecture: Anti Slavery Ceramics at Historic Deerfield

TCC RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENT

Jacob Otte completed report

Jacob Otte, USA 2021


Study Title: Documenting the Architecturally Used 19th Century Ceramics at the Shrine of Sunan Gunung Jati (d.c. 1570), Cirebon (Java, Indonesia)


Abstract: To systematically document the 19th century ceramics, including British transferware, affixed to the walls of the Shrine of Sunan Gunung Jati, the Muslin saint of Cirebon who is popularly credited with Islamization of West Java in the early 16th century. The project will document the ceramics affixed to the shrine through photography and a detailed report with description and analysis. The transferware will likely be the most important tool for dating the ceramics assemblage.


Contributions to the field of transferware studies: The project would, for the first time, systematically document an important historical site in Southeast Asia for the use of British transferware and other ceramics as architectural ornamentation. The in-situ ceramics are also important as an archive of trade connections with diverse places over several centuries and include a prominently placed selection of British transferware made for export to Southeast Asia. Download project pdf. Download project attachment pdf.

Past research grant projects.

FALL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH GRANTS

The Transferware Collectors Club is pleased to announce additional funding made available through the Paul and Gladys Richards Charitable Foundation Research Program for the study of British Transferware. Applicants must submit proposals by no later than November 15, 2022. Application forms are available on the club's website.

TWO AUCTION WATCHES

November 18, 2022

Jeffrey S. Evans and Associtiates


Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates will present the fourth and final auction of the American historical transfer collection of Nick Routson, Phoenix, AZ on November 18 at our gallery in Mt. Crawford, VA. The concluding installment of this comprehensive collection features many rare forms and patterns including the State Arms platter for Delaware, several forms from the States series including a wash pitcher and basin set, and a charming “Baltimore” platter depicting the town on the banks of the Patapsco River. The complete catalogue will be posted around November 4. Bidding is available in house, by absentee and telephone, as well as live bidding through several internet sites.


Visit jeffreysevans.com for more information. Call 540.434.3939 or email info@jeffreysevans.com.

December 20, 2022

Bonhams Skinner Marlborough, MA


On December 20, 2022, Bonhams Skinner Marlborough, MA. will be offering the Flora Rabinovitch collection of Staffordshire blue printed wares. Some of you may recall visiting Flora’s collection during the 2012 annual meeting in Seattle. In addition, there will be subsequent sales including a number of other selections from her vast collection of over one thousand pieces. For additional information please contact Stuart Slavid at european@bonhamsskinner.com or 508-970-3278. Online auction catalogue pending. More Information.

Please contact us if you are offering or know of an upcoming auction 
with an emphasis on transferware.

IN MEMORIAM

Peggy Sutor


Peggy was one of the original members of the TCC, and she was also one of the most supportive. For example, she and her husband Fred organized six of the TCC Annual Meetings between 2006 and 2014. To say that she was indefatigable would be an understatement. All of her meetings were well organized and fun, which could also be said of Peggy. She had a brilliant grasp of American historical patterns. Her own collection contained dark blue as well as red American historical patterns. She particularly loved Philadelphia views, as she was a native Philadelphian.


One of my favorite TCC annual meetings was the Philadelphia meeting held in 2006. Peggy organized an extraordinary gathering, which included superb lectures and several of the best tours I have ever attended. I am also a native Philadelphian and Peggy introduced me to places I had never known. The meeting included the historic Old Tavern, where we enjoyed a group dinner; the rarely visited reserve collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and views of historic Philadelphia locations such as the Waterworks on the Schuylkill River. Readers wishing to read more of the meetings organized by Peggy can visit the meeting page on the TCC website: https://www.transferwarecollectorsclub.org/members/meetings/past-meeting-reports.


We shall miss her infectious laugh, warmth, knowledge, and energy.


Judie Siddall

PUZZLE OF THE MONTH

Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese Tiles

Go to the Puzzle.

These 6” x 6” tiles were produced by potter Henry Abraham Ollivant at the "Cliffe Vale" pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in operation from 1890-1908. Each tile is divided into four quadrants with Japonesque geometrical squares in the upper right and lower left and a long stem of flowers and leaves flowing up through the other corners, which have a reddish-brown background. The tile arrangement seen here is set diagonally emphasizing the upward motion of the stem of flowers and leaves. This tile shows the enduring effect of Aesthetic Movement design concepts decades after it emerged in the 1870s. It is pattern #18099 in the TCC Database of Patterns and Sources. Go to the Puzzle. See past Puzzles of the Month.


Thanks to Scott Hanson for preparing the "Puzzle of the Month."

VIDEOS OF THE MONTH

For members only, two recorded lectures from the Annual Meeting are available for a limited period.

Title: Anti-Slavery Ceramics at Historic Deerfield

Lecturer: Dan Sousa

Description: This presentation is from the 2022 New England Regional TCC Meeting held at Historic Deerfield, MA, on October 22. It focuses on the use of transfer-printed ceramics as part of the Abolitionist movement in Great Britain and the United States during the 19thcentury.

Our speaker: Dan Sousa is Assistant Curator at Historic Deerfield and is a member of the TCC Board of Directors.

Link to video

Title: Early Transfer Printed Wares at Historic Deerfield, 1750-1800

Lecturer: Amanda Lange

Description: This presentation is from the 2022 New England Regional TCC Meeting held at Historic Deerfield, MA, on October 22. It focuses on early examples of transfer-printed ceramics in the collections of Historic Deerfield. 

Our speaker: Amanda E. Lange is Director of the Curatorial Department and Curator of Historic Interiors at Historic Deerfield.

Link to video

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Use Your Transferware!

Lunch provided by Michael Sack at the October 2022 TCC San Francisco meeting. Why not put your beautiful pieces to work? Not dishwasher safe, and please, nothing acidic and no cutting. See larger image. See past Photos of the Month.

Thanks to David Hoexter for preparing the “Photo of the Month” and to Judie Siddall for the image.

PATTERN OF THE MONTH

The Death of Rover


This 19th century mug was intended for a child. However, it is a pattern that would be considered inappropriate for children in the 21st century. “The Death Of Rover,” is copied from Thomas Bewick’s “A General History of Quadrupeds,” which was first published in 1790. Hanging was a way of killing dogs who harmed livestock. View larger image and past Patterns of hte Month.


Members only: See pattern #19043 in the Pattern and Source Print Database.

Thanks to Judie Siddall for preparing the "Pattern of the Month."

LOOKING for a FEW (MORE) DATABASE EDITORS

Looking for anyone with a passion for the beauty and history of transferware who would like to help record lovely old patterns for a worldwide audience. The Database of Patterns and Sources is maintained by a team of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. You could be one of them! We're currently looking for editors in Romantic patterns, Literature and Performing Arts, and Tiles, but let us know your interests and we can find a spot for you. Contact Len at otlink@aol.com for more information!

BULLETIN

2022 Vol. XXIII No. 2


The latest issue of the Bulletin is now available on the TCC website. The printed version has been mailed.


Download/read this issue's feature article (all site visitors): Pountneys, Bristol: A Case Study of Transfer Printed Earthenware in India, by Jaap Otte. Members, download/read the entire issue here.


The TCC Bulletin Index -- incorporating listings of articles from the Fall 1999 issue through to the most recent issue. A rich resource! Search Index.


Bulletin editor is seeking contributions for the upcoming bulletin. Contacts: 

Richard Halliday bulletineditor@transferwarecollectorsclub.org or David Hoexter: davidhoexter@icloud.com

SEEKING BULLETIN SUBMITTALS

The TCC Bulletin editor seeks submittals to future editions, particularly from first time or occasional authors. We have an extremely knowledgeable member base, yet many of our members seldom or never share their knowledge, at least in printed form. Now is your chance. Bulletin submittals do not need to be extremely technical or lengthy. They just need to be interesting and relate to British transferware! And they need to be accompanied by quality images. We would especially welcome articles from our growing number of archaeologist members.

Don’t fret if you have little experience. We will be pleased to work with you, to formulate your concept and bring your article along. Simply send us your ideas, if that is where you are, or text, even in preliminary form, if you are further along. Please submit in MS Word format, and separately, images in png, pdf or jpeg format. Please do NOT convert to PDF. Don’t worry if this is a problem for you; we’ll work with you to bring your article from preliminary to final, printed, stage, no matter your level of computer and word processes experience. 

Suggested topics: 
  1. Your favorite transferware piece, either your own or displayed elsewhere (why is it your favorite?, how did you acquire it?, what is the pattern, maker if known?). 
  2. What is your favorite place to view transferware: museum? stately home? Historic or archaeological site?
  3. Tell (and show) us your own collection (really good pictures required).
  4. New discoveries.
  5. Archaeological sites: overall summary of the excavation as relates to transferware; discuss a particular pattern or piece; context/importance of the transferware.
  6. In-depth research of a pattern, series, maker.

Contacts: 
 Richard Halliday, TCC Bulletin Editor: blueandwhite@btinternet.com
 David Hoexter: davidhoexter@icloud.com

TRANSFERWARE WORLDWIDE LECTURE SERIES 2023

Three lectures are scheduled for next year in January, April and July.

The specific dates will be announced when available, plan to join fellow ceramic enthusiasts for this informative lecture series. Specific details regarding access to each Zoom lecture will be provided via email prior to each presentation date. Past lectures available for viewing on the TCC website to members only.

TWO TRANSFERWARE LECTURE INVITATIONS

The San Francisco Ceramic Circle


Sunday, November 13 2022, 11AM (PST) 



George and Martha Washington: A Ceramic Biography

given by Adam T. Erby, Curator of Fine and Decorative Arts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Register in advance for this webinar: 

November 13, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)


https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6816636350942/WN_XosPX1LxS6mmK0yjKuJvZQ


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


To make sure that you have the correct time, use this site to find the corresponding time for your area: https://www.timeanddate.com

The Oriental Ceramic Society


SAVE THESE DATES


Paradise on Porcelain - online talk series


The Gardens Trust is holding an online talk series called Paradise on Porcelain which may be of interest.  

 

Although the fundamental focus of the Trust is on the history and conservation of gardens and landscapes, but since the pandemic, they have been running a range of talks on various connected aspects. In their latest series of six weekly talks, they are exploring how gardens and flowers have influenced and inspired other arts and crafts, particularly in ceramics.

The first talk takes place on 14th November: A Passion for Porcelain - Flowers and the Gardens of Asia with Anne Haworth

 

Jingdezhen is not famous for its gardens but rather for its workshops and the vast abundance of raw materials suitable for porcelain making. The enormous output of porcelain wares made for generations of Chinese Emperors and for export has defined the city as China’s Porcelain Capital. Flowers including peonies, camellia, orchids and lotus, together with garden themes such as birds on branches, all rich in ancient symbolism, were often painted on refined and technically perfect Imperial porcelains. These images evoked the classical gardens and wild landscapes of China. In neighbouring Japan, a golden age of porcelain making began in the 17th Century with the so-called Kakiemon and Imari wares. Characterised by brilliant colours and a sense of the exotic, they found a ready market in Europe. 18th Century Japanese Nabeshima porcelain dishes continued the tradition of flower painting.

 

Anne Haworth is an independent scholar, historian, an Accredited Lecturer for the Arts Society and a member of the OCS. She was formerly senior ceramics specialist at the head office of Christie’s Fine Art Auctioneers in London and is a lecturer and guide for major London museums and art galleries. Shem as a lecturer for the Royal Collections Trust for 10 years. Anne also lived in China for seven years and studied and lectured on the history of Chinese porcelain.

 

The talk in the following week on 21st November is entitled Porcelain, Flowers and Magnificence in 18th Century Europe, again with Anne Haworth.

 

These talks are available individually at £5 or discounted to £24 for the full series. They are recorded and available for a week to ticket holders, so that they can be viewed at leisure from anywhere in the world. To find out more about this and the other lectures in the series, please go to The Gardens Trust Events here, or to book tickets, go direct to Eventbrite here.

FEATURE ARTICLES

#20 - Ways to Fit the Transfer Pattern Onto the Ware, by Connie Rogers


Imagine the dilemma the transferer faces when the engraving at hand is not large enough to cover the entire center of the platter being decorated. Perhaps the managers of the pottery did not think it was worth the expense of cutting a larger engraving because the platter was larger than ordinarily used in the standard dinner set. There were several ways this could be remedied. One solution to the problem was to add another layer of the border. An oblong shape platter 25.75 x 22 inches is shown in Figure 1, with the impressed maker’s name, J. F. Wileman, Fenton, Staffordshire, in Figure 2 (Database pattern ID# 14772)*. Read more.

Useful Thomas and Ralph Wedgwood – beginning a new appreciation, by Pat Halfpenny


Pat writes, "Many authors have written about Ralph Wedgwood, often dismissing him as a reluctant and inefficient potter – I am one of them. However, with the advent of digital resources that offer access to more original source material and the emergence of an increasing number of superior ceramics with Ralph Wedgwood’s marks, it seems an appropriate time to review his place in ceramic history. This paper is intended to be a starting point for that review and is presented in three main parts. First there is a brief history of Useful Thomas and Ralph Wedgwood, followed by an examination of the volume titled W. & Co Ferrybridge – Shape & Pattern Book, and lastly a discussion of some wares produced by Ralph Wedgwood." Read more.

FEATURE BOOKS

Extraordinary British Transferware 1780-1840, by R. and R. Halliday


A Review by Judie Siddall:

"Extraordinary British Transferware: 1780-1840 illustrates more than 300 unusual patterns and shapes that delight the eye and the brain of both the casual and informed collector of transfer-printed pottery. Richard and Rosemary Halliday, transferware collectors, researchers, and dealers, have photographed beautifully and written in luscious detail about each piece of pottery. The photography is excellent and the writing even possibly better. The book proves to be more than a picture book. It focuses on the unusual, but is really a smorgasbord of transferware. And, like a smorgasbord, there is a taste for everyone." More info.


Ynysmeaudwy and the Williamses, by Mike Trew 


This is the tale of a small potworks begun and run by a family of Cornishmen in a bleak outpost of the upper Swansea valley. Right from the start, its relative isolation from the other Swansea potteries ensured it an air of mystery which, in the years following its demise, assumed an almost mythical status. This book not only describes the contribution made by Ynysmeudwy to our cenamics heritage but adds a human touch by revealing what the Williamses were about, where they came from and where they went to. More info.


CLUB & INFORMATION WEBSITES

American Ceramic Circle

The American Ceramic Circle (ACC) was founded in 1970 as a non-profit educational organization committed to the study and appreciation of ceramics. Its purpose is to promote scholarship and research in the history, use, and preservation of ceramics of all kinds, periods, and origins.​ Member interest is focused on post-Medieval pottery and porcelain of Europe, Asian ceramics of all periods, and ceramics made, used, or owned in North America. Visit the site.


The Antique Pot Lid Collector

The site was conceived because of the very absence of information pertaining to the collecting of Antique Pot Lids. This form of container represented one of the pinnacle product marketing components throughout the 19th Century and up to the Edwardian period. Many of the decorative styles and their design, can be traced throughout this period and creates a unique insight or window if you like, into the social and environmental lifestyle of the populous worldwide. Visit the site.


Find more of the informative resources we've compiled here.

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

A Membership List updated in September 2022 is now available (for members only and only for non-commercial use). Download now. Please review your entry on the list, and notify us of any changes in your contact information.

MEMBERSHIP
Has Your Postal Mailing Address Changed?????

If you have moved but are not receiving your quarterly TCC Bulletin, you probably forgot to notify our member chair of your new address (this applies to email address changes also). The bulletin is mailed “bulk” and is not forwarded to new addresses by the USPS. Please notify the member chair directly: membership@transferwarecollectorsclub.org
MORE ABOUT TRANSFERWARE COLLECTORS CLUB

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
We are now accepting simple classified (not display) advertisements from TCC member transferware dealers as well as non-dealer members and auction houses. There is no charge for this member service. Following are the criteria:  
  • Limited to three quality images of item(s) for sale or example(s) of an item(s) you wish to purchase.
  • Include a very short description paragraph, including a link to your website and/or email address.
  • Dealers must be TCC members, limited to once/year maximum.
  • Requests will be processed in the order received, and there is no guarantee as to when your ad will be posted.
  • The TCC Web Administrator at his/her discretion has the right to reject inappropriate or inadequate submittals.

Contact:  

The Database Needs Editors 
Do you love a good mystery? Do you fancy yourself to be a Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple? If your answer is "yes", then you are the perfect candidate to join the ranks of TCC Database Detectives! Download more information.  

New Database Discoveries
Articles Needed 
Please contact the web administrator with suggestions or contributions of future Database Discoveries articles. See Database Discoveries archives. 

Contributions Needed for Bulletin  
Bulletin editor Richard Halliday is seeking contributions for the upcoming bulletin.

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