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English Delftware
By Judith Miller
 The manufacture in England of what eventually became known as 'Delftware' began during the reign of Henry VIII. A derivative of Italian maiolica, Delftware is a type of earthenware characterised by its opaque white enamel glaze, made from a mixture of tin and lead ash, powdered glass and water.
Before the development of this revolutionary enamel, British potters had been severely restricted in terms of decoration by the drab browns and greens of the clays they used. The clean white finish of Delftware allowed them to paint patterns, landscapes and portraits for the first time. They painted their naive designs in bright colours derived from various minerals - cobalt blue was the most widely employed, although copper green, manganese purple, iron red and antimony yellow were also used.
The first London Delftware dates from around 1550, and includes plates, vases and drug jars in various colours. Jacob Janson, a Flemish immigrant, established a pottery in London in 1570 and a number of his countrymen soon arrived to join him. While much English Delftware tended to imitate Chinese work, London potters began to develop their own distinctive style during the 17th century. Straight-sided posset-pots (from which hot, milky alcoholic beverages were quaffed) and barrel-shaped mugs were among the new forms that emerged at this time.
'Blue dash chargers', characterised by a series of blue marks around the rim, were made in various sizes and designs, including depictions of Adam and Eve, pictures of tulips and portraits of statesmen - images of Charles II are particularly prevalent. The 18th century craze for tea inspired the creation of a plethora of tea bowls, pots, caddies, cups and saucers, all made in Delftware.
As the public appetite for Delftware grew, yet more forms were introduced by potters, including flower bricks and puzzle jugs. These last were often painted with witty inscriptions challenging the reader to drink without spilling.
Despite this climate of innovation, Delftware potters always had one eye on the Orient for their inspiration. The bianco sopra bianco technique of decorating in white on a pale blue background was almost certainly the result of endeavours to replicate a similar style of ornament found on Chinese pots, just as the tin glaze used on Delftware was born, at least in part, from a desire to mimic fashionable Chinese porcelain.
English Delftware can easily be purchased at auction. Expect to pay upwards of GBP200 for a good 18th century Delftware plate at Lyon and Turnbull, or Dreweatt Neate of Newbury. Exceptional items, such as dated early examples with historically significant inscriptions or subject matter, are worth more than £7,500. Jonathan Horne in Kensington, London has a particularly good selection.
 Picture Above: An 18th century London Delftware flower brick, with a landscape scene of a seated shepherdess and her flock, 6.5in (16cm) wide, £2,200. Credit: The Price Guide Company/Jonathan Horne
About Judith
Judith Miller who is an internationally acclaimed antiques expert and well-known television presenter and author. In 1979 she was a co-founder of the international bestseller Miller's Antiques Price Guide, of which she was publisher until 1990. Judith has since written more than 90 books on antiques and interiors which are held in high regard by collectors and dealers alike.
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