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Database of Patterns & Sources Count
19,876 patterns, 1,181 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
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.
| | The TCC is excited to announce plans for its 2026 England Tour scheduled for June 1-7, 2026. The tour will visit London, York, the famous Newark Fair, and Staffordshire Region Potteries and Museums: Middleport Pottery, Spode Museum Trust, Wedgwood Museum and Factory, and the renown Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent. Click here for a preview of activities planned for each day. | | |
This year’s TCC Spring Conference took place in Hartford, Connecticut from May 15th to 18th. Attendees came from across the U.S. and from England. As always, it was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Download conference report. View videos of the six lectures from the conference.
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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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Database Discoveries #19 - Dark Blue Davenport, by Frank Davenport
The Davenport pottery was first documented in a 1974 book by Terry Lockett then later by Terry Lockett and Geoffrey Godden (1989). The authors tell much about the ninety-three years of operation and the wide range of ceramics and glass produced. The pottery became a limited company on 23rd April 1881, trading as Davenport’s Ltd but ceased manufacturing and declared bankruptcy in March six years later. The land, buildings, equipment, molds and copper plates were all sold and Davenport’s pattern books have not been seen since. Auction notices reproduced by Lockett and Godden mention eleven tons of copper plates for auction, representing more than 300 of the most salable patterns, of which Lockett and Godden name nearly 100. Whilst some of the pattern names have extant examples, many do not and without the pattern books it is difficult to match new finds to the original pattern names. Read this article.
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Database Discoveries #12 - Death and Bereavement on Transfer-Printing, by Colin Murray Parkes
Death is an unpopular topic in our society and we may ask why anyone would want to include death-related imagery on items intended to decorate homes or to be used in the daily consumption of food and drink. A systematic trawl of the current TCC database reveals 104 patterns that are directly related to death. It would be tedious to show every one of them here and the examples that follow have been chosen to shed light on attitudes to death in the 19th century. A surprising number of these were found on children's wares as is shown in Judith Siddall's Database Discovery article 'Inappropriate Patterns for Children'. Hopefully the reasons for this 'inappropriate' behaviour will become apparent in this article. In the event the patterns may also teach us something about our own attitudes to death. To aid the flow of my argument I shall reserve technical details to the Endnotes. Read this article.
| | | VIDEO LECTURE OF THE MONTH | | |
Fables, Farmers, and Flirts: Landscape Designs on Early British Transferware
by Amanda Lange
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 are being 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.
Amanda Lange, Director of the Curatorial Department and Curator of Historic Interiors, Historic Deerfield, will share with us her research on "Fables, Farmers, and Flirts: Landscape Designs on Early British Transferware."
This video of the recent lecture in the Transferware is available for viewing and reviewing to TCC members. Watch video.
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Milkmaid pattern
Here is a 5.12 inch saucer printed in the Milkmaid pattern. It was made by Davenport (1794-1887). For TCC members, this is pattern #3923, where the mark is shown as well as a teapot printed in blue. If this pattern looks familiar, it was made by more than one factory. View larger image. See past Patterns of the Month.
| | Thanks to Judie Siddall for preparing the "Pattern of the Month." | | |
MINTON “BASKET OF FLOWERS” PUZZLE
The “Basket of Flowers” series was produced by Minton in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, for many decades, approximately 1810-1870. Seven variations of the central image are recorded in the TCC Database of Patterns and Sources. This version is Basket #05 (pattern number 22042). The long production run of this pattern is indicative of the enduring popularity of floral and botanical patterns on transferware.
Thanks to eBay seller serious_coder for use of the image.
Thanks to Scott Hanson for preparing the "Puzzle of the Month."
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Thanks to Heather Cline and Scott Hanson for photos and
David Hoexter for preparing the "Photo of the Month."
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A Transferware Blog by Judie Siddall.
TRANSFERWARE BRICK-SHAPED MONEY BOXES
Black printed brick-shaped money box, 6.3 inches by 4.3 inches by 4.1 inches high. It is illustrated with five patterns designed for children; "The Pet Lamb" and "The Polka Dancer" are seen here. Read more.
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2018 Recipient of TCC Research Grant
Matthew Keagle, USA
Trash to Treasures: Cataloging Transferware in the Pavilion Collection
Abstract: To catalog and document transferware in the Pavilion collection at Fort Ticonderoga museum. William Pell, who had purchased the fort in 1820, built the Pavilion as his family home in 1826. The project will identify, research and catalog both shards and intact pieces of transferware found at the site and collected by the Pell family. Watch video. Download PDF. See other grant winners.
The 2025 deadline for research grant applications will be in the fall. Please check back again soon for the new deadline and updated application.
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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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Canadian Historic Sites Spode/Copeland Transfer-Printed Patterns, by Lynne Susan
This catalogue illustrates and identifies 109 transfer-printed patterns on earthenware manufactured by Spode/Copeland and found to date at 20 Hudson's Bay Company sites in Canada and the United States. Read more.
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Collecting English Pink Appreciating, Understanding and Gathering English Transferware, by Margie Williams
Looks at the myriad types, sets and pieces of ware, focusing on transfer-printed wares in pink. Takes an in-depth gaze at attributing and dating transferware, moves through collecting tips, explores the ware’s enormous range and its usage and ends with a glance at the English pottery industry. Read more.
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Spode: Traditional English Ceramics since 1776!
This video was produced on youtube by the woman who restored a French Chateau and who produces the Château Diaries. The video is about her visit to Spode and she interviews Michael Escombe, the Spode show manager. Michael has received two grants from the TCC. The first resulted in his book on the Blue Room.
Go to https://spodemuseumtrust.org for more information about visiting the wonderful Spode Museum. Email ceramics@spodemuseumtrust.org to book a private tour of Spode's famous Blue Room! Watch Video
Please contact us if you have a video to recommend with an emphasis on Transferware.
| | CLUB & INFORMATION WEBSITES | | |
The White Ironstone China Association
Association members collect white ironstone which has prompted members to study its history, manufacturing processes, potters and their marks, importers’ marks, body styles, and types of ware.
WICA publishes an educational newsletter, White Ironstone Notes, several times a year. It also issues a periodic White Ironstone China Association E-News to all members and prospective members. Visit the site.
American Ceramic Circle
Its purpose is to promote scholarship and research in the history, use, and preservation of ceramics of all kinds, periods, and origins. The current active membership is composed of ceramics enthusiasts from many walks of life, including museum professionals, collectors, institutions, auction house professionals, and dealers in ceramics. Visit the site.
Find more of the informative resources we've compiled here.
| | LECTURE, SYMPOSIA, and MEETING INVITATIONS | | |
Connecticut Ceramics Circle
"Modernism and Historicism: A State Gift of Sèvres in the Early 1920s”
by Jeffrey Ruda, Professor Emeritus of Art History, University of California, Davis
Sponsored by Gail Geibel and Amy Parenti
Monday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom
Zoom Registration Link To Be Determined check the CCC website
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The first Zoom lecture of the Connecticut Ceramics Circle's 2025-2026 season, a close look at a magnificent gift from the French government in tribute to the 1924 opening of San Francisco’s new art museum, a namesake and reduced replica of the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Paris.
The gift divides into three groups: Two big vases show the most difficult glazing techniques the factory had mastered; twenty-some cabinet-sized pieces show the most advanced fashion in design as of the early 1920s; finally, thirtyone
biscuit sculptures, ranging from table-sized to very small, show a surprising range of subjects. Some are clearly appropriate to a war memorial and others to Franco-American friendship, but other selections are harder to understand. Even the obvious commemorative subjects involved meaningful expressive choices.
The Sèvres factory became a government agency early in its history, producing state gifts and public imagery and working in multiple styles for diverse audiences. This background helps to clarify some of the choices in the museum’s founding gift. Others benefit from a close look on their own terms.
Jeffrey Ruda is a Professor Emeritus of Art History at the University of California, Davis, where he served three terms as head of the Art History faculty. He is now on the Board of the American Ceramic Circle, where he serves as managing editor of the ACC Journal and is a member of the Grants Committee.
Caption: Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, Vase Aubert, 1921. Auguste Berlin (dates unknown), decorator. Hardpaste porcelain, 9 5/16 x 3 1/2 in. (23.7 x 8.9 cm). Gift of the French Government (1925.519).
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Wedgwood International Seminar
Exploring Social History and Behavior in the 19th Century through Wedgwood Ceramics
by Dr. Neil Buttery
Friday, October 10, 2025
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Guest Speaker, Dr. Neil Buttery:
• An Author of four books: A Dark History of Sugar; Before Mrs. Beeton – Elizabeth Raffald; Knead to Know: A History of Baking; and The Philosophy of Puddings.
• Dr. Buttery is a food historian specializing in the history of British food, and is a chef as well as the co-host of The British Food History podcast.
Dr. Buttery will examine how British dining habits, cultural values, and everyday life in the 1800s are reflected in the design and use of Wedgwood ceramics. This unique lecture blends culinary history with ceramic artistry for a fascinating look at the past.
You can always find information on the WIS FaceBook page and the WIS Website.
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Transferware Collectors Club
Virtual Annual Meeting
November 15th, 2025
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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