Antique "Boston Statehouse" Blue Staffordshire Large Plate by Rogers

Presented is an antique "Boston State House" transferware plate, circa 1825. Created in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, England, by the potters John and George Rogers, the plate was designed expressly for an American market. 

When the brothers John (1760-1816) and George Rogers (1762-1815) started their pottery at Dale Hall, Longport, Staffordshire, in 1780 they were among the first to manufacture the latest invention of blue transfer-printed earthenware tableware. They were also very early exporters of Staffordshire wares, for some of their plates carry the mark of the Dublin retailer James Donovan. The firm traded as John Rogers & Son during the period 1815-42, earning a good reputation among their fellow potters. Ward's 1843 Borough of Stoke on Trent stated that John & George Rogers were “noted for the excellence of their table-ware.”

One of the Rogers' most popular transferware patterns made for the American market was their “Boston State House” pattern. There are records of at least three different plate variants of the “Boston State House” scene, as well a pitcher, creamer, and soup tureen with that same pattern. This is one of the larger “Boston State House” plate design variants, with a view of the State House in the background and the surrounding grounds,a young family, a man with a wheelbarrow, and several lounging cows in the foreground. Built around 1795, the Boston State House was designed by the self-taught architect Charles Bullfinch, who also built state houses for Connecticut in 1796 and Maine in 1832 based on his design for the Somerset House in London.

This plate was decorated using the printing process called transferware, a highly collectable method used to adorn antique china in white and blue patterns. Vintage transferware dishware was exceedingly popular during the Victorian era. In the late 18th century, Chinese porcelain was extremely sought-after, thanks to their rich and delicately detailed blue patterns hand painted on white backgrounds. However, due to trade prices, Chinese porcelain pieces were expensive and generally limited to the wealthier class. To mimic the look of Chinese porcelain, English potters created transferware. 

In this process, a copperplate is engraved with a design and heated. Cobalt oxide is applied to the hot engraved plate, followed by a damp tissue paper laid flat to pick up the oxide. The marked tissue is lifted off the copperplate and applied to the pottery surface. The tissue paper is then washed off, leaving the intricate blue design. 

While the first transferware patterns incorporated Chinese designs and motifs, eventually Victorian romantic sensibilities created a market for floral and pastoral patterns that highlighted English Culture. After the Napoleonic Wars, a large export trade to North America was established. British Staffordshire potteries such as Wedgwood, Clews, Rogers, and Johnson Brothers capitalized upon the surge of popularity of American history and designed patterns expressly for the American markets. The plates, serveware, bowls and tureens celebrated early American history with idyllic and patriotic themes. Scenes were modeled closely after iconic engravings by 19th century publishers, such as Currier and Ives, and subjects were chosen for how they reinforced Americans’ sense of national identity and pride. The beautiful wares that have survived are now avidly collected on both sides of the Atlantic. 

CONDITION: 

Good condition overall, considering age and past use. Blue transferware pottery, with light scratches, small areas of crackling. Design intact, and blue is still vibrant.

Dimensions: 1" H x 10" W x 10" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.