When transfer printing began on pottery in the 18th century, most of the patterns were either copied from Chinese originals or in the Chinoiserie style. Other subjects evolved quite slowly, but in the early years of the 19th century views and scenes started to appear. It soon became fashionable to decorate a dinner service with different scenes on each piece but within the same border design. Collectors refer to these as series of views. The central pictures are often rural scenes or views, typically showing country houses or ancient buildings, but other series were made featuring biblical scenes, historical events, field sports, animals, shipping scenes, literature, and classical myths. Even patterns with floral or botanical centers were made in series. A full dinner service decorated with a series of patterns can be an impressive sight. A typical dinner service would consist of 15-20 views, but some are much more extensive. Some services extended also to toilet wares and other items. Views on tea wares are less common.
Included in this exhibit are ten series bearing patterns which exemplify the wide variety of designs developed during the 19th century. They are but a small sample of the many series which were produced. Some series were titled by the potters but most are identified by names adopted by collectors. Individual examples from other series can be found throughout the exhibition.
