Cream pitcher c. 1780 - 1790

This cream pitcher was made at the Caughley (Salopian) Works, using the process of transfer-printed earthenware. The white body of the pitcher is made of refined clay, carefully shaped, dried, and fired to achieve a smooth, delicate surface. What really sets this piece apart is the blue decoration. It wasn’t hand-painted but applied through transfer printing. This process allowed for detailed designs to be reproduced quickly and consistently, bringing affordable ceramics to a broader market. The blue imagery has a distinct character because of this process. Looking at the pitcher, we can see the impact of industrial methods on both aesthetics and accessibility. It also prompts us to consider the labor involved, and the social context of ceramics production. By examining the materials, the making process, and its accessibility we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.