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Database of Patterns & Sources Count
19,940 patterns, 1,187 sources now available in the Database Patterns and Sources.
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Dear Transferware Enthusiasts:
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Transferware Collectors Club
Virtual Annual Meeting
November 15th, 2025 1PM EST
(Note: the US will be on Standard Time and the UK on Daylight Savings Time. Please confirm the correct time for your location.)
The program will include video tour of the Jo Anne Jones collection, a video visit with Pat and Colin Knight, and a brief Business Meeting.
Save the date, more detailed information and Zoom link to follow in early November.
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Transferware Collectors Club
A Tour to England including
the Newark Antiques Fair
accompanied by Patricia Halfpenny
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June 2nd - 9th, 2026
Please join us on a ceramic study tour to England where we will visit both public and private collections. This one-week tour will introduce you to some of the most significant collections of earthenware found in and around London and Staffordshire — including special access at private homes and museums that is not possible on your own. We will be accompanied by Patricia Halfpenny, born in Staffordshire, a former curator of ceramics at The Potteries Museum in Stoke for 28 years. Pat then served as Curator of Ceramics & Glass, at Winterthur Museum, retiring with honors as Curator Emerita in 2009. Her invaluable contacts will allow us to draw on the expertise of knowledgeable authorities and collectors who have generously offered to make the best collections available.
Highlights
- Factory tours at Middleport (the oldest working pottery in Staffordshire) and Duchess China 1888 (maker of fine bone china for more than 135 years)
- Handling sessions at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Keele Hall’s Mason Raven Collection, Spode Museum, and the V&A East Storehouse
- Treasure- and bargain-hunting at the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair, as well as shopping opportunities at factory and museum shops
- Evening lectures by Patricia Halfpenny and Dr. Richard Halliday, as well as a ‘Transferware Quiz Night’ for all to enjoy
- Demonstrations by master craftsmen of transfer printing at Spode Museum and hand painting at Duchess China 1888
- Access to two private collections not available to the public
- Visit to the V&A East Storehouse, which opened on 31st May 2025, and houses over 250,000 artifacts, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives in a four-level complex with 16,000 square meters of floor space
To register, click GO TO ENGLAND to download the full Itinerary and to register and secure your place with a $1,000 per person deposit.
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For Sale: David Kurau Announces Historical Staffordshire Catalog 4.
Featuring over 400 historical pieces from notable collections, including Rex and Patti Stark, Roger Behren, Jesse and Carol Goldberg, and Robert and Patsy Hassert. View the catalogue: https://davidmkurau.com/
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Please contact us if you are interested in placing a classified ad
with an emphasis on transferware.
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Did Benjamin Franklin invent transferware? by Wendy W. Erich
ON 3RD NOVEMBER 1773 Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) wrote a letter to Peter Perez Burdett, a young engraver then based in Liverpool, thanking him for sending his recently produced specimen of transfer-printed chinaware. Following words of appreciation and encouragement for the china, the elder statesman then makes an astonishing claim that he himself had pursued his idea for transferring pictures to pottery more than twenty years earlier, only to be laughed at by the English pottery trade. The invention of transferware pottery has been subject to academic dispute, but credit was ultimately bestowed on John Brooks as the creator and John Sadler, of Sadler & Green, Liverpool,as the developer of the transfer-printed style that revolutionised the surface decoration of ceramics for the following two hundred years. However, the importance to ceramic history of this 1773 letter written by Franklin has been overlooked. Read this article.
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Database Discoveries #11 - Don’t Believe Everything You Read on that Plate by Len Kling
It's a painful thing to have to admit, because we all love our dishes and want to be able to trust them. However, the plain truth is that for almost two centuries, some of them have been deceiving their owners. We read the pattern marks and naturally take it for granted that what is printed there is accurate, but alas, that's not always the case. Perhaps some would think this is not an issue of the greatest importance, for just as a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, so a mismarked pattern is just as pleasing to the eye. Still, lest we forget that Staffordshire potters were not always above a bit of gentle skullduggery, here we look at some examples from the database that are in fact "ringers" inserted into series of views bearing a place name. When marked, it is with the series name, but they aren't identified individually. Read this article.
| | | VIDEO LECTURE OF THE MONTH | | |
BAT PRINTED LANDSCAPES ON EARLY 19TH CENTURY BRITISH PORCELAIN by Len Kling
The 2025 TCC conference celebrated the many Landscapes, Real and Imagined, on British Transferware! There were six lectures presented and they have since been videotaped and added to the TCC website for members to view. The video recordings are sponsored by The Paul and Gladys Richards Research Grant Program for Studies in British Transferware.
In this lecture, Len Kling introduces us to bat-printed landscapes and waterscapes on early 19th century British porcelain. In addition to his role as database general editor, Len has personally recorded more than 3644 patterns, among them are 865 bat-printed examples!
This video of the recent lecture in the Transferware is available for viewing and reviewing to TCC members. Watch video.
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Turkey and Other Birds
Shown for Thanksgiving is a pattern known as Turkey and Other Birds from the Ornithological Series, by an unknown maker. The pattern appears on a shaped dish and a large jug (with an eagle on the other side of the jug). For TCC members, they are pattern #3325 and pattern #7188, respectively, in the Database of Patterns and Sources. View larger image. See past Patterns of the Month.
| | Thanks to Judie Siddall for preparing the "Pattern of the Month." | | |
A Cabinet of Aesthetic Transferware
This cabinet filled with a wide variety of Aesthetic Movement transferware patterns in brown and black is located in a San Francisco house of the Victorian era – decorated in the Aesthetic style. The Aesthetic Movement in Britain (c. 1860 – c. 1900) aimed to transform the ugliness and materialism of the Industrial Age by focusing instead on producing art that was beautiful without needing a deeper meaning, Art for Art's sake. Items of Japanese origin or inspiration took pride of place. Japan's forced opening to foreign trade in 1853 triggered a veneration of all things Japanese, exemplified by England's passion for old 'Blue-and-White' Asian ceramics. Japanese design concepts such as asymmetry, flat patterning, simplified form and elegant surface ornament became foundational to the Aesthetic vocabulary.
Thanks to Scott Hanson for photo and preparing the "Puzzle of the Month."
| | Thanks to David Hoexter for preparing the "Photo of the Month." | | |
A Transferware Blog by Judie Siddall.
Cape Coast Castle On The Gold Coast Africa
I was always curious about an Enoch Wood (1818-1846) pattern, "Cape Coast Castle On The Gold Coast Africa." It is part of a series known as the Irregular Shell Border Series, which mainly includes American and British views. Read more.
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2018 Recipient of TCC Research Grant
Michael Escolme, UK
Study Title: The Spode Blue Room: An Introduction Study
Abstract: To write a printed pocket-sized paperback and extended hardback guide to the Spode Blue Room collection. (Download PDF for members).
The 2025 deadline for research grant applications is May. Please check back again soon for the new deadline and updated application.
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We have received a full complement of submissions, and are currently conducting final editing for the pending issue. Current issue is available for members to download here. Printed version has been mailed. Free to all is a sample article: Medieval Chinoiserie?
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 Scott Hansen: s.t.hanson@comcast.net
Transferware Collectors Club (TCC) Bulletin writers guidelines: Download writers guidelines
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Dated in Blue: Underglaze Blue Painted Earthenware 1776 - 1800 by Lois Roberts
Dated in Blue is a catalogue of dated underglaze blue painted earthenware, both creamware and pearlware, from 1776 to 1800. One hundred and ninety four examples are featured, the majority of which are illustrated and published for the first time. Read more.
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A Guide to Mason’s Patent Ironstone Patterns c1813 to c1848, A Mason’s Collectors’ Club Publication editor Malcolm Lewin
Edited by the Club Chairman, and compiled from Club research over the past 40 years, this new B5 size publication offers a full colour 175 page guide to Ironstone patterns produced by the Mason's factory from c1813 to c1848. Read more.
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Big Pots Thrown at Arrington Reay
David Lawson and Ian Lowes throw two huge garden pots at super fast speed with great music at the factory of Errington Reay, Barton Mill, near Hexham, Northumberland, England. Ian uses the original fork lift to move the pots to the drying area. The original founders, Errington and Reay, established their pottery at Bardon Mill in 1878. The pots are thrown, and when dry, fired in a coal fired downdraught kiln and salt glazed. Watch Video
Please contact us if you have a video to recommend with an emphasis on Transferware.
| | CLUB & INFORMATION WEBSITES | | |
Antique Pot Lid Collector
The Antique Pot Lid Collector was created by John Foumakis and David Treloar, specialist collectors who have a very broad knowledge in Antiques, Fine Arts and Collectables spanning a total of over 100 years. John specialises in muti-coloured printed pots and lids commonly referred to as Pratt types and David specialises in advertising pots and lids. Visit the site.
The British Antique Bottle Forum
The forum has been established since 2007 & has been a friendly community for the hobby of digging, buying, swapping & collecting antique bottles, pots & related items. Since then they have teamed up with the Australian Antique Bottle Forum & became "Sister" forums working together to support & publicize the hobby. They hold quarterly competitions for members to enter, galleries for members to show off their collections, historical articles related to bottles & companies plus much more. Visit the site.
Find more of the informative resources we've compiled here.
| | LECTURE, SYMPOSIA, and MEETING INVITATIONS | | |
Connecticut Ceramics Circle
An Inaugural Exhibition of Chinese Ceramics and Asian Export Art
at the Albuquerque Collection
by Becky MacGuire, Former Senior Specialist for Chinese Export Art
at Christie's and Guest Curator, The Albuquerque Foundation
Sponsored by Jeffrey Munger
and Linda Green
Monday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m.
in Person at the Bruce Museum
Wednesday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m.
via Zoom: CORRECT Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5417601092395/WN_zMfqBHWtSHewemkRRKAIhA
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The Albuquerque Foundation opened its doors in late February 2025 with an exhibition celebrating the stories of cross-cultural encounter that are reflected in its magnificent collection. Known to many from its publication in six large volumes (The RA Collection, vols. I-VI, by M.A. de Matos et al, 2011-2022), the collection formed by Renato de Albuquerque over six decades focuses on Chinese ceramics, but also includes Japanese ceramics, paintings and lacquer; Chinese painted enamel, carvings and bronzes; China trade painting and works of Anglo-Portuguese art.
In this talk Connections guest curator Becky MacGuire will discuss how she drew from the more than 2500 diverse works of art in the collection for this inaugural exhibition. Aiming to introduce the collection to visitors both new to the field and experienced, the exhibition explores the many ways in which these objects speak to us of networks of influence – and of human commonality – in the early modern world.
A virtual tour of the exhibition will include views of the Foundation's home in Sintra, Portugal, where it is housed in an historic quinta with expansive gardens, now joined by state-of-the-art galleries and storage.
The talk will also make note of the contemporary ceramics program, which is an integral part of the Foundation's mission. Housed in a stand-alone gallery on the Foundation grounds, its opening exhibition is 'The Ever-Present Hand' by Theaster Gates, in which the artist has incorporated a small number of pieces from the historic collection.
Becky MacGuire retired from Christie’s after a 30-year career as the firm’s senior specialist in Chinese export art. A senior vice president of the firm, Becky was also Director of the New York Exceptional Sale. After graduation from the University of California at Berkeley with honors in art history, Becky completed the program of the Study Centre for the Fine and Decorative Arts at the Victoria and Albert Museum. She was an original appraiser on the American Antiques Roadshow and among the earliest members of The Chinese Porcelain Company staff. Author of Four Centuries of Blue and White: The Frelinghuysen Collection of Chinese & Japanese Export Porcelain (Ad Illisum 2023), MacGuire has most recently been guest curator for the inaugural exhibition of the Albuquerque Foundation in Portugal. Her forthcoming book will cover the much overlooked and intriguing Chinese export enameled wares made in the first decades of the 19th century, the sunset years of the classic export trade.
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Transferware Collectors Club
Virtual Annual Meeting
November 15th, 2025 1PM EST
The program will include video tour of the Jo Anne Jones collection, a video visit with Pat and Colin Knight, and a brief Business Meeting.
More detailed information and Zoom link to follow in early November, check the TCC website for future updates.
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Transferware Collectors Club Worldwide Lecture Series
From Stoke-on-Trent to Tehran: Wedgwood gifts for the court in Iran
Speaker: Fuchsia Hart
January 15, 2026 1PM EST
Save the date, check the TCC website for future updates.
| | Please contact us if you know of any lectures with an emphasis on transferware. | | |
There are no auctions scheduled at this time.
Please contact us if you know of an auction with an emphasis on transferware.
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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 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.
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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 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 or make the necessary changes to your account online.
| | 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 Richard Halliday 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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