Collecting Transferware

 Like many fellow bloggers I collect Transferware dishes.To me they are a unique art form. I don't know when I began to love these rich patterns and designs but my first memory was when my sister was going to be married.  My mother started collecting a set of Currier and Ives ironstone dishes from the grocery store.  I turned 11 two days before the wedding so I wasn't well versed in the ways of securing dishes or why it was important to start off with a full set. Over the years though, I pondered the design of these dishes and became a fan of Currier and Ives pictures on anything.  Eventually, my sister became interested in Johnson Brothers, most particularly the Friendly Village. She began to collect mugs in this pattern and by that time I wanted some too. She brought me a few pieces of the British Castles from England that I will always treasure. I love all things old fashioned and these patterns truly give a glimpse into another seemingly simple lifetime. 

I started this collection from the middle and worked my way out. There are new plates mixed in with vintage  and I think it is rather an eclectic group because there are a variety of designs and patterns. 

I added this platter from Johnson Brothers British Castles to replace a  Home Interiors picture that faded. I wanted something the same size but would hold up against the elements. I have not been disappointed. Perhaps it is busy on the patterned wallpaper but I like it.

This shelf holds more British Castles pieces and my angel collection.

I found this plate at an antique mall. My every day dishes are from Williams-Sonoma in a Wedgewood pattern called Kent. The green in the pattern is the very same green. I put this on the kitchen wall.  The borders on Transferware are so intricate. Some of my favorites have both flowers and acorns.

The smaller plate on this wall is one I found at a vintage farm flea market sale. The pattern is Kent but looks nothing like my Williams-Sonoma dishes. I bought it because it is green, a color not as readily found as blue. I also 'needed' it for its name and irony of not really being the same pattern as mine. The large platter, not Transferware of course, was found in an art gallery in Long Beach Washington. The colors and uniqueness called out to us to bring it home. My toucan was purchased on a long ago trip to Belize. We named it Billiken Bill for a local beer my husband enjoyed on the trip. A bit of whimsy in the kitchen but we like it!