Transferring to Flow Blue Part II

Antiques & Collectibles Trader

What is ''Flow Blue"? "Flow Blue" is a specific type of transfer printing which can be found most commonly on the three basic mediums of pottery namely Pearlware, Ironstone and Semi Porcelain; and sometimes on a Bone China and Porcelain medium. It started in England about 1825 and continued until 1920. The factories in the United States began "Flow Blue" production at a later date, about 1840-1850 in order to cut cost for the importers and consumers.

Germany produced "Flow Blue" mainly on a "Porcelain" medium from about turn of the century up to approximately 1940. This was significant for exporting because the major producing country, England, did not commonly use bone china or porcelain as a medium, nor did the United States. Holland also produced “Flow Blue” from 1835-1880. Almost all of Holland's production came from the Petrus Regout factories, the Sphinx Works of the Maastricht area...  not to be confused with " Blue Delft".

How does one recognize “Flow Blue”? The rich dark blue which we associate with the early “Historical Wares" and which was used for ''Flow Blue” was prepared from cobalt oxide. Although blue would blur naturally to a minor degree, it could be made to flow by instilling lime or chloride of ammonia in the sagger while glazing. Once firing had occurred, the cobalt then became smudgy and runny; Also depending upon the amount of cobalt, lime or chloride added, it would result in a deep to deeper blue, also a runny to more runny transfer as a finished product... hence we have the result called ''Flow Blue”.

In terms of recognizing "Flow Blue" visually... normally high quality "Flow Blue" is very dark, inky and intense.The pattern appears runny and cloudy and somewhat electric to the eye.
However, colors can vary from lighter blue to darker blue and even to slate gray. Sometimes it flows on the back, in addition to the front of the object. Sometimes the detail of the prints will be clearer and sharper and less runny than others. Unfortunately, manyunknowledgeable dealers will ascertain that flow blue is entirely “accidental” rather than “intentional”. Another misconception, is that flow blue “bleeds” through the body of the piece giving a blue “halo” on the back of the piece. This is actually a result of the stacking process prior to firing.

Other than Germany's production, flow blue production ceased during WW I; this was due to the fact that most of the cobalt needed for its production was being provided by Germany and as a result of the War, Germany stopped all cobalt exporting. Those pieces produced after WW I were basically of German origin other than the few pieces being manufactured from excess reserves of cobalt held by other countries' factories. Flow blue can be broken down into three significant time periods. “Georgian”, “Victorian” and “Edwardian”. -Late Georgian: Circa 1825-1835 (King George IV - 1820-1836). Victorian: Early Victorian, Circa 1836-1850; Mid Victorian, Circa 1850-1870; Late Victorian, Circa 1870-I900. & Final Period, being Edwardian: Circa 1900-1920.

Georgian flow blue is found mainly on a “Pearlware” medium. Early and Mid Victorian “Flow Blue” is found mainly on an “Ironstone” medium; and occasionally during the very Early Victorian Period, it is found on the “Pearlware” medium. Mid to Late Victorian is usually transfer printed on an “Ironstone” medium.  Very Late Victorian to Edwardian flow blue is usually found on a “Semi Porcelain” (earthenware) medium.

Understanding the above concepts of “Time Periods” and their “Mediums”, in addition to ''Cartouche Marks”, we are now able to date our pieces of flow blue with more accuracy. The four pattern categories of “Flow Blue” are (1) “Romantic”, (2) “Oriental, (3) “Floral” and (4) “Historical” (Second Generation).

Other than “Transfer Printed” Flow Blue, we have another process called “Brush Stroke” Flow Blue. Brush stroke flow blue is basically hand painted flow or flowing blue.  It is often accompanied by pink or copper luster and sometimes hand clobbered with orange, yellow, green and red enameled colors. This process is called “Polychroming”. The process of “Brush Stroke” is a fast rustic outline of the pattern on the bisque which is then painted by quick brush strokes that are filled in by hand. Visually, the body of the pottery in brush stroke technique is not a true white, usually it has a blue tinge unlike flow bluetransferware in which the white is brighter.

Upon determining the quality of flow blue, one must consider various factors.  The quality of transfer depends upon good joining of patterns by the person who applies the transfer print onto the bisque. An obvious poor transfer will show up as improper joining of the pattern resulting in “transfer slips”. Poor quality flow blue will have “glaze bubbles” on the surface. One must really look at the pattern for accuracy, clarity and even distribution of color. Color is also a contributing factor. The darker the blue, generally the better and more desirable to the collector, is the flow blue. This depth of blue is achieved by the factories not skimping on the cobalt additive.

Condition, like in all areas of collecting, is vital. Due to scarcity of certain pieces and patterns, you may not be
able to find a piece in mint condition. Buying a piece that is minimally restored or not in perfect condition can still have good value and should not discourage one from adding it to his or her collection.

What types of flow blue make good investment? Pieces from the earlier periods of production are best, due to scarcity and rarity of finding older pieces in good condition and the number of pieces produced at the time. Really rare important pieces for the connoisseur collector are expensive; for example: soup tureens, tea sets, toilet sets, l ''well & tree'' platters, pot-pourri jars, clocks, barge kettles, punch bowls, foot baths, cheese dishes, covered vegetables, biscuit barrels, coffee pots, large vases, and complete Dinner Services with place settings of 12. One area of flow blue to avoid as an investment are pieces that are not very blue but are of a “slate gray” in color; and
pieces that have poor and extensive restoration. Other than the rarities as mentioned herein, there are many beautiful and top quality pieces that warrant collecting. Such pieces that can be purchased at more affordable prices are: creamers, cups & saucers, small plates, small platters and small jugs.

A top quality and affordable specific line of flow blue is the “Rowland and Marcellus” plates that were manufactured for  the American and Canadian importers between 1890-1920. Due to their historical significance, from an American and Canadian point of view,  which depicted battle scenes, explorations, buildings, people and important events. They come in two styles: the “fruit and flower” border and the “rolled-edged” border.

Most of all, when purchasing flow blue you should always deal with a “Reputable Dealer”. What is a “Reputable Dealer”? He or she is one who will take his or her time to show you illustrations, properly date the piece for you, discuss the history of the manufacturer of the specific piece in question and also point out if there are any restorations and give you an idea of market values of pieces fromcatalogues available. With this information (and information in part I - appearing in the -August/September 1995 issue of Antique and Collectibles Trader) written by John Hogan and Joe Cement of “Clement and Hogan Antiques”, Harbourfront Antique Market, 416-260-9105. We hope that both issues (parts I and II) will have provided the novice collector as well as the advanced collector, a sound foundation for his or her collector and investment interest.

• Current Proprietors of this business: John Hogan & Joseph Clement
• Current Name of this business: "Passion For The Past Antiques & Collectibles"
• Current Address of this business: 1646 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario.
• Current Phone No. of this business: 416-535-3883