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Showing posts from June 8, 2014

Transferware Test Plates

Today I'm following up on the Split Personality Plate I  posted about yesterday.  I actually hadn't finished my post and accidentally published it so I decided to keep it as it was and follow up today. Below are some really special examples of what are called sample or test plates.  These were used by numerous potters including Wedgwood as a guide for painters to ensure consistency in coloration.     photo: Pamela Younes Another use for the sample plates was to show prospective clients different colors. From Marion Harris:  "Used since the 18th century, sampling formats provide detailed insights into the manufacturing processes, technological innovations and design tastes of their respective eras. The beautifully composed sample books served multiple purposes, from quality control measures for printers and dyers in the textile industry, to archives of all the patterns produced by a manufacturer in a given year, to retail vehicles for salesmen.

The Split Personality Transferware Plate

I had to show you all this plate!  You're looking at one plate, not two halves of plates.  This is an extremely rare, early 19C  two color transfer ware sample plate in a Willow pattern sourced by Marion Harris.  It's now housed at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum. Joining Wow Us Wednesday Time Travel Thursday Vintage Thingie Thursday Worthwhile Wednesdays