19th Century

The early 19th century in England was a rapid time of expansion from the impact of the industrial revolution and the growth of major cities. This period saw the creation of hundreds of potteries ready to supply a growing population with tableware and decorative items for the home. The main concentration was in Staffordshire along with other major areas in Yorkshire, South Wales, Scotland and North East England.

The inventory on this website relates mainly to the pre-Victorian period with a few exceptions. After 1840 mass production was the order of the day, and many of the handcrafted artistic features on the early pieces were sacrificed for economy.

Early Staffordshire figures, lusterware,, mocha ware, transferware, prattware, slipware, and creamware very much in evidence in the early 19th century. This time saw the demise of the Delft potteries which was eclipsed by the new more versatile and cheaper offerings.

Reference Books

• Collecting Lustreware by Geoffrey A. Godden and Michael Gibson
• The Don Pottery by John D. Griffin
• Sunderland Pottery by John C. Baker