My Obsession with Transferware
My love for collecting things needs no explanation. I collect mostly vintage items, and today, I am sharing my transferware collection.
I am sharing a bit about the fascinating history of transferware, my passion for collecting, and tips on incorporating these treasures into your home decor.
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The Art of Collecting Transferware: A Timeless Treasure for Every Home
As an avid collector, I’ve spent years scouring flea markets, online marketplaces, and discount home decor stores in search of these exquisite pieces that add a touch of elegance and charm to any space.
Exploring the History of Transferware
To truly appreciate the allure of transferware, it’s essential to understand its origins and evolution over the centuries. The history of transferware can be traced back to 18th-century England, where skilled artisans sought to replicate the intricate patterns of expensive imported Chinese porcelain.
Using a revolutionary technique known as transfer printing, intricate designs were transferred onto ceramic surfaces using specially prepared paper and ink.
Initially produced in shades of blue and white, transferware quickly gained popularity among the masses thanks to its affordability and accessibility. As demand grew, manufacturers began experimenting with various colors, including brown, black, pink, green, blue, and red, resulting in diverse patterns and styles to suit every taste and preference.
You can find vintage transferware in blue, red, pink, green, brown, black, purple (mulberry), and multicolored. Pieces marked with “Limited” or LTD were likely made after 1860. “Made in England” indicates the piece was made throughout the 20th century.
There are many new transferware pieces currently sold. Companies such as Spode, Royal Copenhagen, Royal Stafford, and Johnson Brothers sell some of their most popular patterns.
What I love most about transferware is that the patterns are truly timeless, making it a classic that is loved today just as much as it was in the 18th century.
On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.
The Thrill of the Hunt of Transferware
For collectors like myself, the thrill of the hunt is half the fun of acquiring new transferware pieces. Whether browsing through flea markets, antique shops, or online marketplaces, discovering a rare or unique find is always exciting.
Each piece, from vintage plates and platters to teapots and tureens, tells a story of bygone eras and cherished traditions, making it an exceptional addition to any collection.
Embracing Versatility in Home Decor
One of the most appealing aspects of transferware is its versatility in home decor. These timeless pieces can be incorporated into various interior styles, from traditional and farmhouse to eclectic and bohemian.
Here are some creative ways to use transferware in your home:
Display as Wall Art
Hang a collection of vintage plates or platters on a blank wall to create a charming gallery display that adds visual interest and character to any room.
Create a Tabletop Vignette
Arrange a mix of transferware pieces, such as plates, bowls, and serving dishes, on a dining table or sideboard to create a captivating tabletop vignette as a focal point for entertaining.
Use as Everyday Dinnerware
Don’t save your transferware for special occasions—incorporate it into your everyday dinnerware rotation for a touch of elegance during everyday meals.
Incorporate into Seasonal Decor
Mix and match transferware pieces with seasonal accents, such as pumpkins for fall or florals for spring, to create festive table settings and displays throughout the year.
Where to Find Transferware
If you’re eager to start your collection of transferware, there are plenty of places to search for these coveted treasures:
Flea Markets and Antique Shops
Explore local flea markets, antique fairs, and vintage shops in search of hidden gems and one-of-a-kind finds.
Online Marketplaces
Browse online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, and Chairish for a vast selection of transferware pieces from sellers worldwide. I buy transferware on Etsy quite frequently.
Discount Home Decor Stores
Keep an eye out for budget-friendly transferware reproductions at discount home decor stores, which offer affordable options for those just starting their collection. Most of my Royal Stafford Asiatic Pheasant dinner plates are from TJMaxx and Home Goods.
Estate Sales and Auctions
Attend estate sales and auctions in your area to discover unique transferware pieces at competitive prices.
The Joy of Collecting
For me, collecting transferware is more than just acquiring decorative objects—it’s a passion that brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of connection to the past.
Each piece in my collection tells a story, evoking memories of days gone by and sparking conversations with family and friends.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of blue and white patterns or the warmth of brown transferware, there’s something truly magical about the timeless beauty of transferware.
I love mixing and matching dinner plates, especially when we entertain. The engagement party we hosted for my son Andrew and his bride Charlotte was for 60 people. The large number of guests required me to use every plate I had in this color there.
My favorite pattern is the Asiatic Pheasant. I can’t explain why I have seen this exact plate with three manufacturers listed on the bottom: Royal Stafford, Wedgewood, and Johnson Brothers. But it just means this pattern is easier to find, right?
I am slightly embarrassed to say that I own these dinner plates in five different colors: black, blue, red, pink, turquoise, and green. A few years ago, I found them at HomeGoods (for $5 each).
I think I like the black plates the best.
The red plates are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, and more.
I worked with Spode for a few years and acquired several new plates for my collection.
I loved combining brown and blue transferware.
One of the first blog posts I ever wrote was jokingly titled “My Life as a dish-Hoard-der“. I took the photo below for that blog post. It was my collection six years ago. Since then, I have added five more sets of transferware dinner plates. I know I am obsessed with these plates.
I have imposed a self-moratorium on buying any more plates!
If you want to see the names of these patterns, click on any of the numbered links below.
1-Spode Celebration* // 2-Noritake Richmond* // 3-Portmeirion Pomona // 4-Royal Stafford Asiatic Pheasant-Black // 5-Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz // 6-Minton Bridal Veil* // 7-Wedgwood Edme // 8-Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles-Pink Christmas * // 9-Spode Festival* // 10-Royal Staffordshire Avondale* // 11-Wedgwood Osborne* // 12-Enoch Wedgewood Kent*
*Many of these are discontinued, but I love the website Replacements Limited, which I linked to almost all discontinued pieces. You can still purchase them here.
So, why not start your collection today and embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities in home decor?
The possibilities are endless with transferware, and the joy of collecting knows no bounds.
Amazing Vintage Decor!
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Right there with you sister! Your collection is beautiful, and you know I love that Rose Chintz! Always so fun to see your lovely tables! Happy Monday! 💗
Thank you so much, hope you have a great start to your week!
LOVE LOVE LOVE all of this!!! Collecting china is a lost art on the younger generations.
It really is a lost art, Thank you!
Love your post! So inspiring. I’m of a younger generation and I just started collecting bone china and other pretty things. Looking forward to hosting friends!
I have the same obsession – I need more storage room LOL!
Isn’t that the truth!
Your collection is so pretty and love seeing your place settings and table presentations
Thank you very much, Laurie!
I am a plate collector also. After I joined Beautiful Table Settings I knew I had found my group. If you do not belong I am inviting you to join now. Some of these people buy china daily. They are real enablers sadly! Your transfer ware is beautiful. I have a red plate or platter over everyone of the 16 windows in my sunroom. I also have the turkey in blue for Thanksgiving and then others that I have found here and there. Love you blog!
Thank you! Love hearing that we have similar taste.
Love it! My family shares the same love for transfer ware.
A feast for the eye! Love your collection! What a treat it must be to be a guest at one of your parties.
I love the ‘hunt” for my collecting habits. I also have collected flower frogs for years. I really have too many now but still enjoy looking for them. I would love to see your pictures of your collection. I thought I was the only person with this odd collection! My collections also include Blue Willow, salt glazed blue pitchers, a few quilts, and of course the flower frogs. I love wooden hat forms and many other antique items. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy reading your blog.
I love that you collect flower frogs as well!! So fun to find new ways to repurpose. Thank you for following along with me!
I thought I was the only person who LOVED plates. Transferware is one of my collection of plates. I like the thought of not Getting the cups and saucers. Great idea.
My favorite out of yours is the Rose Chintz.
Keep collecting. Enjoy you blog.
You are definitely not alone, Rosie!! Thank you for following along with me.
Pretty collection Leslie! I especially love brown and blue transferware. I have a soft spot for dishes, sterling serving pieces, Christmas ornaments and French antiques. It’s always fun to discover a new piece.
It is really is! I love hearing that you have similar passions 🙂
Be still my heart! I live your collection! I love transferware, too, and have brown and white and red and white. I love them!
That is so great, Connie. I am sure they are so beautiful!
I collect blue and white transfer ware. I love it. I never tire of it either. It’s beautiful and I display all of my transfer ware during the fall and winter months. It gets me through our long Michigan winters! 🤣
Blue and white is beautiful!
I have the same plates and absolutely love 💕 them! I love the glasses you use with your table setting!!
Love it!! Thank you so much.
I too have the Royal Stafford asiatic pheasant -black salad plates. I found them at HomeGoods as well. I hope I get lucky enough to find the dinner plates. Thank you for showing so many beautiful ways for me to create tables capes with them. 😍
Of course! I hope you are able to find many more 🙂
My mom started my love affair with dishes (especially transferware) when I turned 16…she let me select my own pattern then every birthday, Christmas gift etc for years she bought me a piece or two. I have a set for twelve of Rose Chintz and will always cherish it!
I love that! So special that there is a story behind them.
I started picking up brown transferware at estate sales and garage sales…. I really like my browns…. but I LOVE your black patterns…. they really pop, don’t they????
They do! That is awesome that you have been finding some of your own 🙂
Wow u have quite a collection of beautiful Transferware !! My favorite is the brown 🤎
I love the brown as well, thank you!
Are you familiar with the Crown Ducal Bristol pattern? It is one of my favorite
transferware patterns. And can be found often on Ebay.
I have the Asiatic Pheasant in a gorgeous Cornflower blue & black! Now, after seeing yours, I need to hunt down some black and white to go with it.
That would be gorgeous!
Such a surprise to see my grandmother’s transferware dishes featured in your opening picture (it’s the brown transferware platter with the most showing and a basket of flowers center)! Since it isn’t identified with a marking on the bottom, it may have been one of the more common sets back in its hay day. I rarely ever see this pattern, but I watch for it everywhere I go. I have many treasured memories of dinners with my grandparents and I feel extremely blessed to have my grandmother’s set. Thanks for sharing!
O wow, I love hearing that! So incredibly special.