January Feature Articles

Wood’s Italian Scenery Database Discoveries – Contribution # 3 Transferware Collectors Club by Len Kling

Very little is known today about the life of early 19th century artist Elizabeth Frances Batty. She was the sister of Captain Robert Batty, a member of the Grenadier Guards whose military career was ended by wounds received at the Battle of Waterloo, and who was also an artist. Although like her brother Elizabeth was a member of the Royal Academy, she was not as prolific, her own career doubtlessly curtailed by marriage (to Philip Martineau) and motherhood. Robert's drawings were the basis for a number of illustrated travel books, French Scenery, German Scenery, Welsh Scenery, and others; published in the 1820s and 1830s; however Elizabeth's principal claim to fame came first, and it could be reasonably assumed that his similarly named works were an effort by his publishers to continue her success. Read the article.

YELLOW TRANSFER PRINTED BROWN WARE, Database Discoveries – Contribution #1 Transferware Collectors Club by Connie Rogers

Yellow Transfer Printed Brown Ware – referred to here as YPB – is a type of transferware that has only recently been added to the TCC Database. Some collectors of transferware may not be aware of this type of transfer decoration as it is not commonly found. Over the years, I have noted a number of patterns that appeared to be Chinoiserie, or pseudo-Chinese scenes with figures, pagodas, junks, and various floral designs printed in yellow on brown jugs, bowls and plates. However, these pieces were not marked, and the patterns seemed to be generic patterns not exactly matching known blue printed transferware patterns. Collectors of willow and other Chinoiserie patterns seem to be the people most drawn to the wares. Figures 1 and 2 are two sides of a jug with such a pattern. I hadn't seen any example of that pattern printed in under glaze blue. Read Article.