1820s Pearlware filled-in transfers; patterns and attributions by Pete Christmas

Pearlware blue-printed transferwares are sometimes found with ‘filled-in’ enamel colours of plum, yellow, brick-red and green, usually painted on chinoiserie patterns with a distinctive deep cobalt blue background.  Often on ale jugs or mugs and less commonly on spill vases; their factory marks usually have the description ‘Opaque China’, together with the initials of the manufacturer.  This ‘filled-in’ style of pearlware had a brief popularity commencing during the reign of George IV in the 1820s, and was made in Staffordshire, Bristol, Sunderland and possibly Swansea.  

My aim in this research article was to describe the manufacturers and known patterns, giving attributions for factory marks where possible; including guidance on attribution of unmarked wares.   I show what evidence exists to support these attributions, paying particular attention to regional differences.  The paper also examines in more detail the various ‘Boy in the door’ patterned wares, illustrating and listing the characteristics of five different engraving types in relation to their region of manufacture. Photographs of all the currently known patterns of this genre are included, together with a table of factory marks.