American dinnerware collectors and interior designers have cultivated a long-standing love affair with pristine, durable white ironstone and scenic blue transferware. It is pressed into service for floral bouquets, home vignettes, meals, wall décor, and hutch arrangements. Esthetically pleasing blue and white transferware seems to convey a sense of Old World tranquility in today’s hectic times. Patterns can energize a room, add sophistication, be bold or stay in background. Quite simply, blue and white decorating palettes are red hot year-round because they move with ease into many genres of home décor.
As the summer months and patriotic holidays arrive, interest in blue and white designs and color schemes heats up. With its elegant wildflower borders, rich cobalt blue coloring, and detailed portrayals of colonial America historic scenes, demand for Enoch Wedgwood’s (Staffordshire) “Liberty Blue” dinnerware skyrockets. In addition to its Americana subjects, many other positive factors contribute to its perennial appeal. Its transferware designs were created by artists in the world-renowned, centuries old Staffordshire Pottery district of England. Its ironstone body gives it remarkable durability. The transfer of a copper engraving under-glaze makes it dishwasher safe and aids in resisting pattern-wear.
An ironstone factoid: Ironstone was first patented in the early 1800s by Charles James Mason. It was a strong vitreous earthenware, sometimes called “poor-man’s porcelain,” that offered an alternative to the costly European porcelain wares of the 19th century. Porcelain was luxurious, but ironstone also had a lustrous finish buoyed by its durable composition. By the addition of feldspar, granite and other elements, ironstone became a reliable workhorse that could be softened by accents of scrolls, ribs, panels, scallops, botanical relief and transferware designs. In the 1800s, ironstone household items were plentiful and affordable to the masses.
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The classic “Liberty Blue” pattern was made by the Enoch Wedgwood Company exclusively for American export during America’s Bicentennial period at the request of a Pacific Northwest bank. First offered in 1975 as a bank account premium and subsequently as a grocery store promo, quantities of Liberty Blue were widely available at affordable prices. (A&P advertised its initial place settings pieces at a mere 69 cents per item in 1976.) It was offered in a broad variety of vessel shapes and fifteen different historic views. For lovers of Americana, its scenes are a visual treat and a living history that remind us of our forefathers’ relentless pursuit of our treasured freedoms.
The oppression of the Tea Act and resulting Boston Tea Party are captured with stunning artistic detail on vegetable bowls and the soup tureen. Washington crossing the Delaware is depicted on an oval platter, Betsy Ross sewing the flag appears on multiple forms, Patrick Henry’s ride, Washington at Valley Forge – milestones of courage indelibly scribed in cobalt blue.
Amidst the many shapes produced in Liberty Blue, the star of the line – a 20”x 14″ turkey platter – was produced in limited quantities for a brief three month period in 1977. It is highly sought for its subject matter – the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The view’s design was inspired by a painting from John Trumbull, an American artist of the Revolutionary Era. The platter was only produced for account holders of Benjamin Franklin Federal Savings and Loan, not offered when the dinnerware line was released to A&P Grocers and others. Select bank depositors received the platter as a free bonus gift. Resellers today seek an estimated $200 to $250 for this eye-catching serving piece.
For buyers today who shun fine china, Liberty Blue walks the line between casual and refined depending on its accompaniments. Its a stunner when paired with red glass, chargers, pewter, contrasting white and other traditional-Americana looks. The depth of border color and design give it presence in displays. It can be scaled up and down the spectrum for use and enjoyment.
In our fast-paced twenty-first century, we collect but often pack our collections away – “saving them.” With the beauty and versatility of Liberty Blue, owners should emphasize “enjoyment” in the present. That’s the message delivered by long-time transferware collector and educator Diane Brooks. She remarked that collecting is an experience in enrichment. “Buy what you enjoy, display your treasures and take in the moment.”
Later this year, Ms. Brooks will conduct a decorating seminar for attendees of the Transferware Collectors Club Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. She offered readers these practical tips to create a “Liberty Blue” or other transferware display at home for a collector’s daily enjoyment.
• Always start your arrangement with what catches your eye or items that are irresistible to you. Then, build out.
• Collections typically consist of 6 or more items, but even one or two can make a difference at the start.
• Arrange items according to your visual pleasure considering characteristics such as shape, line, color, flat, dimensional. Stand back, look at what you’ve created and adjust to your liking.
• Intermix the above to create a grouping with interest such as that shown in the photo at right. This tableau can easily be replicated using your Liberty Blue dinnerware and other favorite pieces.
• Place larger pieces at the side or to the back to act as a backdrop or canvas for the arrangement. Liberty Blue could benefit from a contrasting white, silver or pewter platter. Consider both physical and visual weight, texture and shine needed to achieve your overall design.
• Extend your look by adding other interesting elements – flags, wood items, colorful pieces, red glass, flowers, etc. that will add a touch of pop.
For additional information on Liberty Blue dinnerware’s background, Debbie and Randy Coe’s Liberty Blue Dinnerware reference book is a good-read with excellent visuals. It can be found online at Schiffer Publishing or ordered through book merchants. The discontinued dinnerware can be found at antique shops, shows, Replacements Ltd. and through various online auctions.
For this year’s Independence Day, celebrate and decorate. Take out your personal All-American favorites or start a new tradition with classic “Liberty Blue” that will one day become a family heirloom. Enjoy… and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Article and Photos by Gayle Manley
