The English ceramics industry, in the Staffordshire area, developed transfer printed decorations in the 1790s. This had the potential to eliminate the labor-intensive hand painting of wares. Images were printed on thin paper then applied wet to once fired ceramics known as bisque. The paper was removed by dipping the object in a soapy solution leaving behind a permanent decoration. At this point, the ceramic was glazed and re-fired. Transfer printing enabled mass production of affordable everyday tableware. English ceramic companies designed patterns that would appeal to the emerging U.S. market. American buildings and landscapes were depicted.
These wares as a group are collectively now known as Historical Staffordshire. The views are based on paintings, engravings, and lithographs of the period and aid us in documenting the era.
At a time when travel was difficult, and few had the leisure time for it, one never had to leave the dining room to tour the country. Travel is relatively effortless now but, due to COVID-19, is restricted at this time. Let’s take a cue from our predecessors and take our own virtual tour.
Our journey begins...
Plate
Fairmount, Near Philadelphia
Joseph Stubbs
Burslem, England
Earthenware, Transfer - Printed
ca. 1825
10.5” diam.
The scene pictured on the plate is Henry Pratt’s country house, Lemon Hill. The property was known for its landscaping, well-kept gardens, and elaborate outer buildings. Since 1855, Lemon Hill (which still stands) has been part of Philadelphia’s Fairmont Park.
Platter
Niagara Falls View from the American Side
Enoch Wood and Sons
Burslem, England
Earthenware, Transfer–Printed
ca. 1830
14.75” l. x 11.5” w..
Throughout the 19th century Niagara Falls grew in popularity as a tourist destination. It is thought that Theodosia Burr, Vice President Arron Burr’s daughter, and her husband Joseph Alston were the first to honeymoon at Niagara Falls in 1801. It’s estimated that 6.5 million visitors came to view the Falls in 2017.
Platter
Niagara Falls View from the American Side
Enoch Wood and Sons
Burslem, England
Earthenware, Transfer–Printed
ca. 1830
14.75” l. x 11.5” w..
Throughout the 19th century Niagara Falls grew in popularity as a tourist destination. It is thought that Theodosia Burr, Vice President Arron Burr’s daughter, and her husband Joseph Alston were the first to honeymoon at Niagara Falls in 1801. It’s estimated that 6.5 million visitors came to view the Falls in 2017.
Plate
Upper Ferry Bridge Over the River Schuylkill
Joseph Stubbs
Burslem, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1825
8.75” diam.
The bridge was located just north of Philadelphia, PA and completed in 1813. With a span of 340 feet it was the largest wooden covered bridge in the United States. A fire destroyed the bridge in 1838.
Plate
Pittsburg
James and Ralph Clews
Cobridge, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1830
10.5” diam.
Pittsburgh, PA was founded in 1758 at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. The rivers played an enormous part in the city’s industrialization during the 19th century.
Plate
Baker’s Falls, Hudson River
James and Ralph Clews
Cobridge, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1830
9” diam.
Baker’s Falls is located on the Hudson River in Hudson Falls, NY. Albert Baker built the first water powered mill in 1765. During the 19th century the area around the falls experienced rapid industrialization resulting in taming the river and loss of its natural beauty.
Plate
West Point and Hudson River
James and Ralph Clews
Cobridge, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1830
8.75” diam.
There has been a military presence at West Point, NY since 1778 making it the oldest continuously operating Army post in the United States. The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY was established in 1802.
Plate
Winter View of Pittsfield, Mass.
James and Ralph Clews
Cobridge, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1832 - 1835
8.5” diam.
Five of the six structures depicted on this plate have all been lost to history. The First Congregational Church 1793 – 1853, and on the far left the Berkshire Hotel 1826 – 1866. The elm tree was struck by lightning in 1861. Town Hall on the far right was built in 1832 and provides a clue in dating the plate. James and Ralph Clews were in business from 1817 to 1835. Town Hall still stands today.
Plate
Bank of United States. Philadelphia
Joseph Stubbs
Burslem, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1825
10” diam.
Bank of United States in Philadelphia was built in 1795 and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Plate
Picturesque View Nr. Fishkill, Hudson River
James and Ralph Clews
Cobridge, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1830
Fishkill, NY is on the eastern bank of the Hudson River in the southern portion of Dutchess County. Settled in 1714 it is in an area referred to as the Hudson Highlands. The Highlands are noted for their scenic views of the Catskill and Taconic mountain regions on each side of the river.
Plate
Columbia College
Stevenson and Williams
Cobridge, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
1824 – 1827
7” diam.
King’s College was established in 1754 and changed its name to Columbia following the Revolutionary War. The College was located in lower Manhattan.
Plate
Ruins of Merchant Exchange N.Y.C.
Staffordshire, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1840
9” diam.
The merchant Exchange building was built in 1827 and destroyed during the Great Fire of 1835. 17 blocks in lower Manhattan burnt damaging between 500 to 700 buildings.
Plate
Erie Canal at Buffalo
Ralph Stevenson
Staffordshire, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1830
10” diam.
The 363-mile-long Erie Canal from Albany (Hudson River) to Buffalo ( Lake Erie) was completed in 1825. This plate features a scene of the Union Slip which was the final link between the canal and Lake Erie.
Plate
The 363-mile-long Erie Canal from Albany (Hudson River) to Buffalo ( Lake Erie) was completed in 1825. This plate features a scene of the Union Slip which was the final link between the canal and Lake Erie.
Plate
Erie Canal at Buffalo
Ralph Stevenson
Staffordshire, England
Earthenware, Transfer-Printed
ca. 1830
10” diam.
The 363-mile-long Erie Canal from Albany (Hudson River) to Buffalo ( Lake Erie) was completed in 1825. This plate features a scene of the Union Slip which was the final link between the canal and Lake Erie.
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Example Artifact Description
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Example Artifact Description
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Example Artifact Description
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Example Artifact Description
Learn More About Historic Staffordshire
(Test Text) Staffordshire is a region in the West Midlands of England. It borders Cheshire to the northwest, Derbyshire and Leicestershire to the east, Warwickshire to the southeast, West Midlands and Worcestershire to the south, and Shropshire to the west. The largest city in Staffordshire county is Stoke-on-Trent. (cite information) The historic county of Staffordshire included Wolverhampton, Walsall, and West Bromwich, these three being removed in 1974 to the new county of West Midlands. The history of the region dates to the Early Middle Ages (500 AD-1000AD). (Test Text) See Map of Staffordshire Region below:
Test video description- more about ceramics, techniques, etc. Small gallery block could include detail images of artifacts. Watch video below: