Books by Author

H&R Daniel Earthenwares

The reputation of Henry and Richard Daniel is based on their glorious porcelain but, in spite of its importance to the commercial success of the company, little has been written about their huge production of earthenware. Signposts to Daniel earthenwares were provided in the pioneering works of Geoffrey Godden and Michael Berthoud, but few have followed that path until now. This is the first book to attempt a comprehensive survey of the various shapes and patterns produced in earthenware by H&R Daniel and to differentiate them from other contemporary manufacturers such as Thomas Dimmock & Co, to whom they are frequently attributed.

Brian Smith and Bryan Beardmore have between them over fifty years experience in identifying and collecting Daniel, and are co-authors of the most recent work on Daniel porcelain tablewares.  John and Jeannette Simpson had considerable experience as technical authors before being drawn into the ceramics world, and since 2010 have been editors of the Journal of the Daniel Ceramic Circle.

Foreword by Geoffrey A Godden

Published in a limited edition of 200 copies by the Daniel Ceramic Circle with the generous support of the Transferware Collectors Club through the Paul and Gladys Richards Charitable foundation Research Program.

134 pages, paperback, printed in full colour throughout.
ISBN: 978-0-9562391-2-9

Cover price £25 but for TCC members there is a special price of £20.
Shipping extra – within UK £3, overseas buyers please enquire.

To order this book please email dcc@simpson.uk.com or see website www.danielcc.org

H&R DANIEL EARTHENWARES FIRST SUPPLEMENT (MAY 2018)

Back in 2015 the TCC kindly gave us* a grant towards the publication of our book, H&R Daniel Earthenwares. As with any publication on a new subject it focussed attention and resulted in new items being brought to light. This year we felt we had enough material to publish a supplement. We issued it as a supplement to the May DCC Journal, so that members would receive it free of charge. We felt that the TCC should also have a copy with our compliments and thanks. —  * John & Jeannette Simpson, Brian Smith, Bryan Beardmore. 

Spode & Copeland: Over Two Hundred Years of Fine China and Porcelain

Over 440 vivid color images display the wide range of ceramics produced by the English pottery firm, established by Josiah Spode in the 1760s and continuing today. From historic blue and white transfer printed wares of the early 1800s to popular dinnerware patterns of the 1900s, this book includes sprig decorated wares, delicate bone china table and tea sets, graceful figurines, and sturdy stoneware candlesticks and loving cups.

The Patriot behind the pot

The Patriot behind the pot: A historical and archaeological study of ceramics, glassware and politics in the Dutch household of the Revolutionary Era: 1780-1815

The Patriot behind the pot tells the story of pottery, people and politics in the Netherlands during a time of great revolutions; revolutions both in a political and industrial sense. This study shows how at the end of the 18th century numerous Dutch people used all kinds of ceramic and glass items in their household as media to convey their political stance in favor of or against the ruling House of Orange. Many of these more than 200 years old politically charged items have been preserved in museum collections. Sporadically, pieces of them are retrieved from archaeological sites as well.

Along with dozens of historical sources and hundreds of other ceramic and glass artifacts that were discarded or lost by their former owners in the same archaeological contexts, these fascinating objects with a certain political meaning have been examined in order to understand the material culture of Dutch Orangists and Patriots in the period around 1800. Apart from a thorough study of late 18th- and early 19th-century ceramics and glassware in the Netherlands, this book presents an extensive catalog of politically charged items from the period 1780-1815. This might help archaeologists, art-historians and collectors to recognize and further study these objects of great historical value.

This book comprises a Master thesis written by Wytze Stellingwerf. In 2017 he graduated at the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University. This thesis was nominated for three prizes, respectively the national archaeological W.A. van Es prize, the Leiden University thesis prize and the IISG prize of the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam. 

Canadian Historic Sites Spode/Copeland Transfer-Printed Patterns

In the mid-1830s the Spode/Copeland pottery of Staffordshire became the supplier of tableware and toiletware to the Hudson's Bay Company. It continued in this capacity until the 1850s in the United States and until the early 20th century in Canada. 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. The majority of the illustrations are prints from the original engraved copper plates. Submitted for publication 1977, by Lynne Sussman, National Historic Parks and Sites Branch, Ottawa. 

Lynne Sussman’s excellent resource “Spode/Copeland Transfer-Printed Patterns Found at 20 Hudson’s Bay Company Sites (1979). 

The PDF is approximately 80 MB and download may be slow.

Swansea's Cambrian Pottery Transferware II Patterns and Borders

This book has 220 pages with over 90 patterns and 420 color illustrations including Chinoiserie, Rural, Commemorative, Transitional, Sheet and previously unattributed. The “Table of Contents” titled PATTERNS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE makes the book easy to use as a reference. Also helpful are the Alphabetical List of patterns and the Alphabetical Index to Patterns with Relevant Marks (with a selection from Book 1).

Ordering Information:
Price: 28 GBP plus shipping.
arleenandgrahametanner@btinternet.com

Swansea's Cambrian Pottery Public & Private Commemorative Printed Wares

This is the first book to deal solely with the public and private commemorative pieces from the Swansea Cambrian Pottery. It shows also how these pieces relate to other known Swansea patterns and borders.

Published in 2013, the book has 29 pages and features 99 colour illustrations. It measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches.

A pdf of the book content can be downloaded here free of charge.

The softcover version of the book can be purchased at a price of £15.00. See www.lulu.com for purchase.

Swansea's Cambrian Pottery Transferware

The book was published in 2005 and was the first book to deal solely with the transfer printed ware of the Cambrian Pottery, Swansea (known as the Swansea Pottery).

A 225-page volume, the book includes a wealth of information: 90 patterns including Chinoiserie, Rural, Transitional, Sheet, Commemoratives and later patterns, 310 colour illustrations, sections on the potters' working and living conditions, Swansea Pottery employee census records, the first checklist ever produced of 349 known patterns from ALL Welsh Potteries, a well-illustrated marks section, an alphabetical index and an extensive bibliography.

Purchase information £26.00 + £5.00 p&p. For further info, please contact arleenandgrahametanner@btinternet.com

Swansea Pottery Transferware from 1811 to its closure in 1870

This book is an overview of the middle and later periods of the Cambrian Pottery transferware production. It attempts to provide an understanding of the difficulties involved in precisely attributing patterns to the different periods of production especially as some patterns were used over long periods of time. We provide pattern lists for each period. The 48 full colour images are to an extent patterns we have not previously illustrated.

Thomas Rothwell 1740-1807, Copper-Plate Engraver: A Survey of His Life and Work with Particular Reference to His Work at Swansea Pottery

A new publication exploring the work of Thomas Rothwel l—
available for FREE download — the book is the result of some 40 years of research by TCC members Arleen and Grahame Tanner. The publication details the importance of Thomas Rothwell in the transfer printing process and charts the history of one of the most famous engravers of the period.

TCC members and site visitors can download the publication free of charge.

For those interested in a printed copy, this 64- page book is available for the price £18.00.

Success to America: Creamware for the American Market

with essays by Wendell D. Garrett and Robin Emmerson.

Life in the early days of the young republic was still very much tied to England and its resources. All those who could afford to do so ordered their creamware sets of dishes and goods from English potters, who were only too happy to produce and decorate the requested images that memorialized Revolutionary War heroes, newly elected presidents, maritime merchants, and patriotic sentiments. One of the largest collection of such creamware items was amassed by the late S. Robert Teitelman. This publication highlights 50 of the pieces in the S. Robert Teitelman Collection at Winterthur as well as an additional 25 pieces and decorative arts objects from Winterthur collection. Enhanced by essays that address life in the young republic, the Liverpool pottery industry, and the Atlantic maritime trade, the volume features some of the finest examples of the period.
hardcover, 304 pages; 750 color illustrations

Ynysmeaudwy and the Williamses

This is the tale of a small potworks begun and run by a family of Cornishmen in a bleak outpost of the upper Swansea valley. Right from the start, its relative isolation from the other Swansea potteries ensured it an air of mystery which, in the years following its demise, assumed an almost mythical status.

Its earthenwares, mainly intended as functional or decorative objects for the working classes, have now become venenated symbols of a lost heritage, a physical link rejoining us with a band of workers, a long-demolished factory and a mysterious family who, one by one, drifted away from what they had created.

This book not only describes the contributiion made by Ynysmeudwy to our cenamics heritage but adds a human touch by revealing what the Williamses were about, where they came from and where they went to.

All 31 mainstream transfer patterns are illustrated. There is a focus on transfer variations and on the origin of the copper plates. All aspects of production are covered - hand painted, mocha, sponge decorated etc along with sections on terracotta and other wares. There are chapters on workmens' marks, ownership and workforce and the second section focuses on the lives and times of the mysterious Williams family who began and ran the concern whose efforts were until now lost to history. In all there are 19 chapters with 7 appendices.

The book is an A4-size, 474 page, hardback with 1,100 full colour illustrations, around 5lbs in weight. Purchase price £40 plus postage (currently by UPS to the USA, ca. £25 including insurance, direct from the author (see below).

The book is only available through the author:
Mike Trew,
Ty Ysgol,
Pinged,
Burry Port,
SA16 0JW,
UK.
email: theartchive@btinternet.com

The Adams Lancaster Tankard: A collector's guide

This book is intended as an illustrated guide to the little-known Lancaster Tankard produced by the William Adams potteries over a period of some 100 years. It will give intending collectors and dealers the information they need about the patterns used on the tankard, together with a rarity and pricing structure not currently available anywhere else.The book is grounded on market experience over many years, backed up by research into the original Adams archives held at the V&A Wedgwood Collection at Barlaston in Staffordshire.

Mr Jon Adkin  (Photographer)

Queensware Direct from the Potteries U. S. Importers of Staffordshire Ceramics In Antebellum America: 1820 - 1860

This 2015 Revised and Expanded Edition, written by an archaeologist, concerns the use of underglaze U. S. importers marks on Staffordshire pottery made during the American Antebellum Period (1820-1860). Over 100 such importers are listed in this directory, which geographically spans the entire country, from Massachusetts to California and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. Placing the name of American importers of Staffordshire earthenware in under glaze transfer print demonstrated to the buying public that these local merchants had special ties to the English manufacturers which, it was thought, would enhance the chances of the importers not only obtaining the latest fashions promptly but also comparatively cheaply. This strategy was successful decade after decade, until new technology and inexpensive rail transportation in the late 19th century allowed industrial potteries in Ohio and elsewhere in the United States to capture the ceramic tableware market from their British rivals.
Since the importer data base presented in the book owes so much to the generosity of many researchers, it is fitting that it be made available as an Internet Publication which can be used by the widest audience of interested scholars. This format also allows the revision of the data base as new information becomes available (and it surely will). It also allowed the use of large numbers of color illustrations of Staffordshire vessels with importers backmarks. This 330 page book is the most detailed study yet written concerning pre-Civil War American importers of Staffordshire pottery and their British trading partners.

This well-illustrated, and detailed book should serve as a baseline study for future research into this most ubiquitous of artifacts found on early to mid-nineteenth century American archaeological sites – fragments of Staffordshire table and tea wares.

Request for Help with Importers Study
The author writes "I am in the process of revising the recently published ebook, Queensware Direct from the Potteries: U. S. Importers of Staffordshire Ceramics in Antebellum America, 1820 – 1860. I have a few more importer’s marks to add to the Directory, some updates, etc. I would greatly appreciate any help that TCC members can provide in my effort to make this research tool as complete and useful as possible." Email John Walthall.

The Charm of English Pink, Vol 1, The Pots

This is an in-depth exploration of a portion of the many, many pots as well as the individual patterns produced in pink. Over 300 unique patterns are illustrated and historically explored in detail, including a glimpse at English transferware’s mysteries − both solved and unsolved. 414 pages, 9 by 12 inches, Perfect binding $65.00

Order all three or individual "Pink" books directly from Margie Williams. $7 shipping for non-Transferware members, free for Transferware members. (Learn about membership.) Send your check and order to: Margie Williams, 1835 Oak Terrace, Newcastle, CA 95658 OR order directly from Amazon. Or contact Margie via email: mjhrww@gmail.com

Collecting English Pink Appreciating, Understanding and Gathering English Transferware

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. 160 pages 9 by 12 inches Perfect binding $45.00

Order book directly from Margie Williams. $7 shipping for non-Transferware members, free for Transferware members. (Learn about membership.) Send your check and order to: Margie Williams, 1835 Oak Terrace, Newcastle, CA 95658 OR order directly from Amazon. Or contact Margie via email: mjhrww@gmail.com

American Historical English Pink: American Views on English Transferware

In addition to recording not only the potter and his pottery but the known forms and colors, she also provides a glimpse into the historical significance of every magical motif.
102 pages 8.5 by 11 inches Spiral binding $25.00

Order book directly from Margie Williams. $7 shipping for non-Transferware members, free for Transferware members. (Learn about membership.) Send your check and order to: Margie Williams, 1835 Oak Terrace, Newcastle, CA 95658 OR order directly from Amazon. Or contact Margie via email: mjhrww@gmail.com

Staffordshire Romantic Transferware Patterns

Staffordshire- vol. 1- has 536 patterns, Staffordshire- vol. 2- has 394 patterns, and Staffordshire- vol.-3 has 130 patterns (1060 patterns total). Serious collectors should have all three volumes to get the full benefit of Petra Williams knowledge and great research of transferware. Out of print, but copies commonly available on eBay, Amazon, and specialty used book sellers.

Bottle Ovens and the Story of the Final Firing

Note about the book: In 1978 Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent had the audacious idea of firing a potters' bottle oven, with coal, for the very last time. This traditional way of firing pottery had ended in the early 1960s with the introduction of the Clean Air Act. Before all the knowledge and skills of firing a bottle oven were consigned to history the museum embarked on a project which proved to be an enormous undertaking, massively complex and tremendously daunting. This book, published in the 40th anniversary year, tells the story of The Last Bottle Oven Firing.

Part 1 answers the question 'What is a bottle oven?'
Part 2 details the 1978 final firing with contemporary reports and previously unseen images.
Part 3 is a bottle oven dictionary explaining some of the unusual words specific to bottle ovens and the pottery industry.

Note about the authors: Terry Woolliscroft has a degree in ceramic technology and trained in commercial pottery manufacture at Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd., Barlaston. His interest in bottle ovens developed quickly as a youth when he saw these remarkable buildings rapidly disappearing from The Potteries skyline. He photographed many potbanks before they were demolished. He joined Gladstone Pottery Museum as a volunteer and worked on the Potteries Bottle Oven Survey of 1976. He was a member of the team which organised the Last Bottle Oven Firing of 1978 and worked throughout making an audio record and logbook of the event. He also shovelled coal! He has created several websites including The Potteries Bottle Oven, The Last Bottle Oven Firing, The Gladstone Pottery Museum Story and The Potbank Dictionary.

Pam Woolliscroft (née Bott) has enjoyed a career in Stoke-on-Trent museums, working at Gladstone Pottery Museum, Chatterley Whitfield Mining Museum, Ford Green Hall and the Spode Museum. With her background in ceramic history she has worked as a consultant with specialist archives and museums and also for ArtUK. She began her museum work as a volunteer at Gladstone Pottery Museum eventually becoming curator under the leadership of David Sekers. She was a member of the team which organised the Last Bottle Oven Firing 1978 and became the key link between museum staff and over 70 volunteers. Pam kindled the first firemouth of the final firing. She has created the Spode History and Spode ABC websites and works as a volunteer at Stoke-on-Trent City Archives.

Quote from Angela Lee, Manager, Gladstone Pottery Museum, 2018 Echoes of the Last Bottle Oven Firing: The Last Bottle Oven Firing was one of the most important events in the history of Gladstone Pottery Museum with significant and lasting effects over the 40 years since that amazing achievement. The information recorded plus practical skills and knowledge gained by the volunteers who worked on the project is invaluable. It has continually informed the ways the museum can help visitors to understand coal-fired bottle ovens. It has also made a lasting impression on those who witnessed the event. Almost every day there will be a visitor to the museum sharing their memories of that special time. Gladstone Pottery Museum will forever be grateful for the vision, determination, organisational skills and hard work which created the Last Bottle Oven Firing.

Quotes from the book about Bottle Ovens
"09:50 Saturday 26 August 1978 Eight placers start placing ware into saggars. Full saggars taken to the oven to be set in. Arch bungs, between the bags, at the back of the oven, were set in first.

"12:37 Tuesday 29 August 1978. Kindling started. Eight firemouths set alight using flaming newspaper or a specially made flaming taper. Each firemouth was kindled in turn. Firemouth No.1 kindled by Pam Bott (Gladstone Pottery Museum Curator/member of Organising Committee). The crowd gave a spontaneous round of applause." The final firing on its way.

"Based on the measurement of the Bullers rings, years of experience and just gut feel Alfred Clough, the fireman, decided on making just one more baiting - No.9. "We need a big one," he said. "Have we got plenty of fuel in? Get everybody ready."

"Removing the clammins was quite a spectacle. Sparks flew from inside the oven suggesting the inside was under pressure. It was a carnival atmosphere. Oohs and aahs were heard and children shouted with glee."

"The oven grumbled as it cooled. The structure which had remained idle for many years had been brought to life by fire and had coped well with the inevitable expansion of brickwork and bonts. But as cooling and shrinkage took over it struggled once more with the movement of brick against brick, groaning as it returned to its normal size."

"Bottle Ovens - Out of the filth came great beauty. From these curious brick-built and iron-strapped structures came the most exquisite, delicate and utterly beautiful pottery in the world."

Published by Gladstone Pottery Museum, Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 1PQ, England

ISBN 978 0 9505411 3 6
Date of publication: 1 August 2018
£9.95

60 pages. Perfect bound. Portrait style 11.7 x 8.3 inches (A4) Over 25,000 words. Over 140 illustrations.

Available from the Gladstone Pottery Museum shop by phone, please call +44 1782 237777

Produced with the generous support of the Friends of the Potteries Museums & Art Gallery

Miles Mason Patterns & Shapes

This is a 160 page, B5 size, full color monograph featuring studies of all known numbered and unnumbered patterns. Club research on body, shapes, gilding, numbering and identification is included. Over 1000 illustrations. Exclusively available from: Alan D White, Secretary, Mason’s Collectors’ Club, Lenborough House, Hillesden Rd, Gawcott, Buckingham, Bucks. MK18 4JF. UK.