20,270 patterns, 1,193 sources now available in the Database Patterns and Sources. | |
Dear Transferware Enthusiasts:
| | We’ve entered the new year, an excellent opportunity to join the TCC and take full advantage of our many available services and features. | | A TRANSFERWARE JOURNEY TO ENGLAND | | |
A Report on the Transferware Collectors Club Tour to England and the Newark Antiques Fair June 2–9, 2026 by Loren Zeller.
Our noted transferware scholar Pat Halfpenny volunteered to lead the group of TCC members. On June 2, we embarked on an extraordinary week-long exploration of England’s ceramic heritage. From the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum to the pot-tery factories and museums of Staffordshire, and from the bustling Newark Antiques Fair to private collections rarely open to visitors, the tour provided a remarkable opportunity to experience the history, artistry, and continuing traditions of transferware firsthand. Download report.
Top right: Arriving at the V&A
Bottom right: Middleport Pottery, Transfer printing requires a special skill and is hard work.
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A rare Spode Chinese of Rank plate
donated to the Spode Museum by Michael Sack, president of the Association of Friends of The Spode Museum (AFOTSM)
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During the Transferware Collectors Club’s England Tour visit to the Spode Museum in Stoke-on-Trent, TCC members Dina Zuger and Loren Zeller presented a rare Chinese of Rank pattern plate to Michael Escolme, Manager of the Spode Museum, on behalf of Michael Sack, President of the Association of Friends of the Spode Museum (AFOTSM).
The 8.25-inch plate has both impressed and printed marks and a worker's painted number "14". The only piece previously reported with a Spode mark is an egg-cup stand. The Chinese of Rank pattern was based on a source print published in Thomas and William Daniell’s book, titled A Picturesque Voyage to India by the Way of China, in 1810 by Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, London. Members can find more information about the pattern along with its source print in the TCC Database of Patterns and Sources, search for pattern #10365. Photo by Scott Hanson
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Legacy and Continuity: Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ’Other’.
Introduction by Neil Brownsword
In 2025, Stoke-on-Trent City Council marked the centenary of the City’s status through a year-long programme of cultural events. Among these, the exhibition Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ was commissioned to critically reframe understandings of one of north Staffordshire’s most iconic and globally disseminated ceramic designs. The exhibition brought together objects to interrogate the complex and often paradoxical entanglements of Chinese ceramic traditions and British industrial production.
The exhibition examined the cultural and literary symbolism of the willow motif within Chinese visual culture; the processes of imitation, translation, and stylistic adaptation by which Chinese export porcelain informed the emergence of the Willow Pattern in Britain. It also considered the design’s subsequent re-circulation to China through late twentieth-century outsourcing practices undertaken by British manufacturers.
In conjunction with the exhibition, scholars from China and the United Kingdom were invited to develop these themes further through the international symposium Legacy and Continuity, held at Stoke Town Hall on 21–22 November 2025. The essays gathered in this publication both reflect and extend the contributions presented at that event. Read the article.
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2019 Paul and Gladys Richards Foundation Research Grant Program Recipient.
A Catalog of Transfer-printed Pottery Produced by Scotland’s East Coast Potteries Prior to 1850
George Haggarty, Scotland
Project Title: A Catalog of Transfer-printed Pottery Produced by Scotland’s East Coast Potteries Prior to 1850
Abstract: To produce a catalog of transfer-printed wares produced by Scottish potteries referred to as the east coast potteries located along the Forth River that exported their wares primarily to Europe. This catalog will concentrate on the identification of patterns found on shards excavated or recovered from seven production sites and locating and photographing extant examples. It will include short histories of the relevant potteries.
Contribution to the field of transferware studies: Cataloging transfer-printed wares produced by Scotland’s east coast potteries is expected to discover unknown or rare examples of transferware and/or assist in dating shapes and patterns based on the acquisition dates. View PDF.
| | VIDEO LECTURE OF THE MONTH | | |
The wares that missed the boat: transfer-printed Ceramic Finds from Manchester Dock, Liverpool by Dr David Barker, archaeological consultant and ceramics specialist
Description: Excavations at Manchester Dock, Liverpool, yielded a large group of early 19th-century ceramics which had clearly been destined for export. They never made it!
Amongst the wide variety of ceramic types were numerous transfer-printed wares, some familiar, but others less so. In this presentation David will discuss these printed wares in the wider context of the assemblage and its deposition, and will consider what this tells us about the export trade in British ceramics at this time.
Our Speaker: Former City Archaeologist and Keeper of Archaeology for Stoke on Trent Museums, David Barker is a well-known researcher and author on the history of the ceramics industry, its processes and its products.
He has taught on Staffordshire University’s MA in Ceramic History and has lectured widely at all levels in the UK, Europe and North America. His publications include the books William Greatbatch, a Staffordshire Potterand Slipware in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, as well as numerous journal articles. David is a past President of the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and has received an Award of Merit from the Society for Historical Archaeology.
It is available for viewing with members' login. View this video.
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Landing of Gen. LaFayette at Castle Garden
New York 16 August 1824
LaFayette was invited to the United States in 1824 to be honored as a hero of the American Revolution. The pattern was made by Ralph & James Clews (1814-1834). For TCC members, more can be learned about this pattern by looking at pattern #2074 in the TCC Database of Patterns and Sources. View larger image. See past Patterns of the Month.
| | Thanks to David Hoexter for preparing the "Pattern of the Month." | | |
"Bottle Ovents" Bat Printed Cup Plate
This charming scene showing several bottle ovens at a historic pottery, like the hundreds that once existed in Staffordshire, England, isn’t exactly what it appears to be. It looks very much like a piece of bat-printed porcelain or earthenware made at one of those potteries in the first decades of the 19th century. In fact, the design was engraved on a copper plate and bat printed by Paul Holdway in Staffordshire in 1991, as marked on the back. It was one of the many wonderful items from the collection of Jonathan Gray, seen during our visit to his London home during the TCC’s England Tour in June. While it may be the newest item in his collection, it could also be among the rarest. There were very few bat printed pieces made during the late 20th century!
Such views were produced in the early 19th century. A bat printed porcelain tea cup showing two smoking bottle ovens and a pottery building on a small bluff above a body of water is pattern No. 22146 in the TCC Database of Patterns and Sources. It was produced by the New Hall Pottery, which was in operation from 1782 until 1835 in Shelton, Staffordshire. This pattern has the TCC assigned name “Bottle Ovens.” Thanks to both Paul Holdway and Jonathan Gray for welcoming us to the UK and being part of our tour!
Thanks to Scott Hanson for photo and preparing the "Puzzle of the Month."
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Transferware Bowl and Cat
Cats love tight spaces. Perhaps this one has gone to an extreme. The cat is Callie, age perhaps 1-½ years. The bowl is by Wedgwood, dates 1883-86, and the pattern is “Seaweed No. 05”. For TCC members, it is documented in the Database of Patterns and Sources as record #21482, with additional information and images in an article by David Hoexter in the TCC Bulletin, 2025 vol. XXVI, No. 2.
See larger image. See past Photos of the Month.
| | Thanks to David Hoexter for preparing the "Photo of the Month." | | |
The Dictionary of Blue & White Printed Pottery 1780-1800 Vol. 1 by Coysh, A. W. and Henrywood, R. K.
This dictionary brings together as many facts as possible about blue and white printed pottery at the height of its popularity and production. The authors have produced a comprehensive guide, covering every possible aspect of the subject, with Appendices which include makers' initial marks and a list of source books used by makers. More info.
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The Dictionary of Blue & White Printed Pottery 1780-1800 Vol. 2 by Coysh, A. W. and Henrywood, R. K.
Designed as a comprehensively cross-referenced companion to the original Dictionary, this second volume includes over 1,000 new or extended entries. These cover many previously unrecorded patterns, recent attributions, newly discovered design sources and a significant number of additional manufacturers and retailers. Some of the more interesting wares after the original deadline of 1880 have also been included. More info.
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A Transferware Blog by Judie Siddall.
The Progress of the Quartern Loaf on Transferware
I recently purchased a very damaged small teapot with "The Sower" on one side and "The Reaper" on the other. They are part of a series titled "The Progress of the Quartern Loaf." There are six different patterns: the Ploughman, The Sower, The Thrasher, The Reaper, The Miller, and The Baker. Read more.
| | CLUB & INFORMATION WEBSITES | | |
The Spode Society
The Spode Society was founded in 1986 to bring together collectors, museums and all lovers of Spode, Copeland and Garrett, Copeland and more recent Spode wares; to promote, share and study the history and products of the Spode factory, its workforce and the Spode and Copeland families. The Society produces a bi-annual publication, The Review, issued to all members in May and November, which fits into a dedicated A4 size hard back ring binder provided free of charge to all joining members. Members are invited to advertise for sale any ceramic items on the Shop page free of charge for a period of 4 weeks from date of listing, after which they will be deleted. Details can be found on the page. Visit the site.
The Tea Leaf Club
The Tea Leaf Club is dedicated to the study and collection of Tea Leaf Ironstone China and its Variants, produced in England and America from the mid-19th century through the early 1900s. The Club boasts hundreds of members from almost every state in the union, as well as from Canada, who collect, study, love, and appreciate the simple beauty and endurance of Tea Leaf Ironstone China. View the site.
Find more of the informative resources we've compiled here.
| | TRANSFERWARE RELATED WEBSITES & BLOGS | | |
Dishy News
Dishy News is a blog by Judie Siddall owner of Merlin Antiques, established in 1990. Their specialty is English pottery from the 19th century. Their great love is Blue and White Transferware--actually transferware in all colors! They also sell Staffordshire Figures, Gaudy Welsh China, Lustreware, Pot Lids, Aesthetic Movement Pottery, Romantic Transferware and miscellaneous Pearlware items. Visit site.
Pottery Marks
If you are trying to find pottery marks or need to research famous potters, they have you covered. They have a massive database of both and constantly add them to the site. There are some helpful guides about how to look after your collection and even start your collection. Please feel free to bookmark the site and browse at your convenience. Remember to check in with them for new guides and reference material. Visit site.
Find more of the informative resources we've compiled here.
| | LECTURE, SYMPOSIA, and MEETING INVITATIONS | | |
Transferware Collectors Club Worldwide Lecture Series
Patterns of Fashion: Transfer Printed Designs 1850-1910
Speaker: Miranda Goodby
July 16, 2026 1PM EDT
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Between c.1850 and 1910 British printed ceramics underwent a huge change from largely conventional floral and landscape designs to self-consciously bizarre and exotic patterns inspired by a variety of sources from Japan to Art Nouveau.
Companies from the 'first-class' firms to the small manufactories were all similarly inspired - but largely filtered their patterns through a practical Staffordshire attitude towards what would sell well.
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Miranda Goodby is a freelance ceramics specialist, writer and museum consultant. She has worked at a number of English museums and was Senior Curator of Ceramics at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, for 28 years, before leaving in 2023. Her specialist interest in Staffordshire ceramics and their makers has earned her an international reputation. She has lectured widely in the UK, North America and Europe, and has curated ground-breaking collaborative exhibitions, such as the 2021 touring exhibition Majolica Mania, with international partners.
| | Please contact us if you know of any lectures with an emphasis on transferware. | | |
The new bulletin (April 2026, 32 pages) is complete, posted to the website, printed, and mailed. Members can download the bulletin in PDF format here, and anyone can download the issue’s two sample articles 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.
The Bulletin editors are seeking contributions for the upcoming bulletin. Contacts: David Hoexter: davidhoexter@icloud.com or Michael Sack: msack@michaelsack.com
Transferware Collectors Club (TCC) Bulletin writers guidelines: Download writers guidelines
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There are no auctions at this time.
Please contact us if you know of an auction with an emphasis on transferware.
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Please contact us if you have recommendations of
newly published transferware books.
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Has Your Postal Mailing Address Changed?????
If you have moved but are not receiving your printed 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 or make the necessary changes to your account online.
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The online membership directory is a feature of our new program to improve members services. You must sign in to your account to view and search the directory. Please check your listing and make the appropriate changes in your account or transmit any corrections to the Member Chair. This will ensure that you will continue to receive the paper copies of the Bulletin. With bulk mailing, they are not forwarded if a member has moved. However, the Bulletins are available on the TCC website for current members. This online membership directory list is for use of Transferware Collectors Club members only. It is intended to facilitate contacts between members. The list is not to be used for commercial purposes. If you are a current member and believe your name should be on this list please contact the Member Chair. View the directory.
| | 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:
webadministrator@transferwarecollectorsclub.org
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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 David Hoexter is seeking contributions for the upcoming bulletin.
Contact: bulletineditor@transferwarecollectorsclub.org.
| | | 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! | | 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. Download the Guidelines.
Suggested topics:
- 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?).
- What is your favorite place to view transferware: museum? stately home? Historic or archaeological site?
- Tell (and show) us your own collection (really good pictures required).
- New discoveries.
- Archaeological sites: overall summary of the excavation as relates to transferware; discuss a particular pattern or piece; context/importance of the transferware.
- In-depth research of a pattern, series, maker.
Contacts:
David Hoexter, Interim TCC Bulletin Co-Editor: davidhoexter@icloud.com
Michael Sack, Interim TCC Bulletin Co-Editor: msack@michaelsack.com
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