THE ITALIAN PATTERN

The story of the iconic Italian pattern. This Italian pattern surely has to be one of the most recognisable and indeed most iconic designs in the history of transfer printed pottery. It is possibly true to say that almost every home, antique shop, antique show and museum around much of the world has at least one example of this pattern within it. From its inception in 1816, it has largely remained in production until this day and this must be seen as a phenomenal achievement. This famous pattern was produced by at least twelve potters during the nineteenth century and possibly as many as twenty. During the early years of production, copying of other works of art and designs was not illegal until the copyright act of 1842. As such, other potters seeing the popularity of any given design could simply copy and produce it themselves. This new book examines the manufacturers that produced the pottery baring this famous pattern during the ‘first period’; 1816 to 1850.