Transfer-printing on pottery was developed during the mid-18th century as an affordable way to produce decorated china for the expanding middle class. Previously, all decoration had to be expensively painted by hand onto each piece. With transfer printing, an engraved copper plate could be used to print identical designs to be applied quickly to thousands of pieces. This is a ceramic transferware sink bowl of the 1860’s.
Transfer printing was used on toilet wares as well as dinner and tea wares and when indoor plumbing arrived, the designs previously used on wash basins were applied to the new sink bowls, which were usually under-mounted to a marble slab with a corresponding cut out. Some examples, like this one, were designed to “drop in,” leaving the lip exposed on the slab surface.
Working with historic plumbing fixtures (including issues around meeting modern codes) is covered in Chapter 10 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries Scott Hanson’s book “Cleaning Historic Staffordshire Transferware” and select preservation titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott t. Hanson 2024.
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