The Transferware Engraver

Introducing a new book that details the process of engraving a transferware pattern on to a copper-plate. This 272-page soft-back book covers a ten-year quest by the author who recorded the engraving of a new pattern from start to finish, with every line cut and every dot punched throughout its completion. The author, Richard visited an ex-Spode engraver at his house in Stoke-on-Trent every couple of weeks throughout the ten-year period and recorded in great depth, the work that was undertaken. This started with a visit to the coppersmith to buy a copper-plate and ended at Portmeirion with the production of a limited edition 10” dinner plate.

Engraving, through a seven-year apprenticeship, was a skill learnt through observational learning, transmitted from master to apprentice. There were no guide books or instructional manuals, thus making the recording of these skills so important. Richard took it upon himself to fully document this amazing and often overlooked process before it is too late and the skills are lost forever.

The 9” x 6”, full-color book details the tools, the techniques and the processes before the full documentation of the engraving. Whilst not directly related to the engraving process, the author decided to use the new engraving to make a limited-edition ceramic at the Portmeirion factory in Stoke-on-Trent. These fifty ceramic plates are available as an optional purchase.

TCC members will get a 50% discount on the book for the first three months, therefore: Until February the 14th, 2026 the book will be £12.50 (UK shipping £5, International £12, including tariffs)

Ceramic is £25 (UK shipping £8, International £30, both with a book)

Regular price after that date and to non-TCC members will be £25 for the book

Please email Richard at blueandwhite@btinternet.com for further details.