creamware and pearlware

creamware

This is a type of earthenware which was invented sometime between 1720 and 1740 probably by Thomas Astbury. It became popular after Enoch Booth introduced a fluid lead based glaze circa 1740 and remained popular until the 1820s.

Probably the most famous producer of creamware was Josiah Wedgwood who produced a highly refined version and in around 1760 it was known as Queen's ware after Queen Charlotte became a patron.

creamware bowl (circa 1800)

It was very popular globally during the 18th century and many potters in Europe produced such ware. In Britain creamware was produced in places such as Swansea, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds and Staffordshire. With many of the best known factories producing it the competition meant prices remained comparatively low. Decoration included enamel painting, printing and gilding.

Tortoiseshell ware is a creamware which has been given a mixture of coloured glazes the end result often resembling tortoiseshell. This technique was developed by Thomas Wieldon and used on many Wedgwood pieces.

typical Wieldon tea caddy  (circa 1770)

pearlware

In about 1779 Josiah Wedgwood succeeded to make a whiter ware technically similar to creamware but with a higher flint content and with a small amount of cobalt in the translucent glaze to further whiten the appearance This ware became known as pearlware and was produced well into the middle of the 19th century.

pearlware jug underglaze transfer print (circa 1800)

Similar methods of decoration were used as with cream ware plus some new techniques. Pieces were produced with under glaze colours, yellow, ochre, green, blue and black and this type of ware is known as Prattware, after the name found impressed on some pieces, and was produced from circa 1790 - 1825.

Yellow ware, often referred to as canary yellow, is creamware or pearlware which has been dipped in a yellow glaze and is often decorated with silver lustre and printed decoration.

example of a splash lustre (circa 1810)