English Delftware

The term “delftware” is used to describe tin-glazed earthenware which was copied by the English from the Dutch and were the most popular form of domestic and decorative pottery mainly from the mid 17th century to the end of the 18th century. The ware was relatively affordable and replaced the use of pewter. The blue, green, orange-yellow, red and purple colors employed were derived from mineral pigments.

Early delftware workshops were established in Southwark London which employed Netherlandish workers at the Pickle Herring Quay pottery. Other delftware workshops formed in London also followed in centers such as Bristol, Liverpool, Wincanton, Glasgow, and Belfast. Production of both utility and decorative items such as plates, chargers, jugs, tankards, tiles, flower bricks, vases, and apocathery ware formed the catalog. Perhaps the most iconic is the blue dash border chargers with their striking vibrant images of The Temptation, Royal and Military personalities and the decorative types with flowers and foliage. Decoration of floral bouquets, tulips, oak leaves, fruits, animals, birds, building, ships, and fashionable chinoiserie scenes adorned much of the output.

Some of the images are truly artistic, often naively applied in an informal and fluid style, and when considered with the specific color palette make a highly stylized recognizable statement. “ A work of art on Pottery.”

The subject of Delftware automatically leads to referencing and acknowledging Louis L. Lipski, Michael Archer and Jonathan Horne, who contributed so much with their research and promotion.