Staffordshire Blue pottery.

(From Irish Independent)

THE HISTORY of Staffordshire blue dates from 1780 when pewter wasgoing out of general use. The underglaze transfer-printed decoration was cheaper than the hand-painted earthenwares and more accessible to all classes. Porcelain was still favoured by the wealthier households.

Although vast quantities of antique Staffordshire blue were produced and exported allover the world it is now sought after by collectors and the value of the pieces isincreasing. All blue and white pottery of this description, irrespective of its place of origin,is generally referred to as Staffordshire blue.

The process by which designs were engraved on copper and reproduced on paper was first adapted to decorating pottery in the late 18 century.

Until then the only method by which the potter could apply coloured decoration was byhand painting. In the industrial age the process, called transfer-printing, was readily accepted.

The first successful use of the process was by John Brooks, the Irish engraver. He applied for a patent for printing on enamels and china on 10 September 1751 when he was living in Birmingham. He was registered as a partner in the firm of Janssen,Delamain & Brooks at the Battersea, London, enamel factory in 1753.

The process was also used by John Sadler, a printer and engraver, and his partner GuyGreen, both of Liverpool. Sadler & Green carried on their printing works at Liverpool for many years. It is possible that Sadler's inspiration came from Battersea.