Montpelier's team of historical archaeologists rely on the TCC's Database of Patterns and Sources to identify patterns and makers of transfer-printed wares unearthed on the grounds of President James Madison's estate. Using the TCC's Database, researchers were able to identify sherds found in Dolley Madison's midden as Davenport's Bamboo and Peony pattern, shown here. Marked items enabled researchers to date the pieces and confirm that a dinner service in this pattern was used for dining at Montpelier. Photos by Larry Bouterie with permission of the Montpelier Foundation.
Images of James Madison and Dolley Madison: Complements of the White House Collection/White House Historical Association.
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Issues are published during the year and are made available online. Latest issue: 2025 Vol. XXVI No. 2
Database of Patterns & Sources20,132 patterns and 1,191 sources and still growing.
Preview or Search the Database
Celebrating a milestone of 20,000 patterns and still growing!
EventsApril 30, 2026, 1PM EDT Worldwide Lecture Series - Caribbean blues: excavating transfer-printed ceramics on the island of Nevis By David Barker.
July 16, 2026, 1PM EDT Worldwide Lecture Series - Pre 1850s Scottish Transfer Printed Wares by George Haggarty
Rich with content for ceramic collectors, researchers, authors, curators, and historic archaeologists, the sites are sure to deliver value for their visitors. The exhibition’s curators continue to enhance them and, now, with site application upgrades, including a new magnification feature and upgraded content management capabilities, the TCC and its collaborators are pleased to relaunch these exhibits, all free to a worldwide audience.
Branded Patriotic America, debuted in 2014 in collaboration with Historic New England, and the Winterthur Museum
Launched in 2015 in partnership with the Northern Ceramic Society.
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