Underglaze Printing in a Single Color on Earthenware and Stoneware 1820-1850

Exhibit items included in this period represent the use of printing in a broader range of colors and patterns.  Makers introduced a wide range of designs from classical and mythological scenes to landscapes, waterscapes, plants and animals, as well as historical and patriotic themes.  Series patterns for dinner and dessert wares were produced in which the same border pattern was repeated while the central pattern was, with some exceptions, different for each object included in the service or set.

Spode introduced chrome green underglaze printing circa 1822.  While blue continued to be the predominant color, by the early 1830’s brown had resurfaced as a popular color.   Single color printing was also achieved in pink, puce, and pale black known as Payne's grey.  Factories like Enoch Wood & Sons, the Stevensons, Clews, and a few others were also producing dark blue patterns printed on earthenware intended primarily for the American market.  A selection of ten important series patterns is also included in this exhibition and can be viewed by selecting Series from the "What Did They Make" page.