Thanks to its reserves of clay, lead, salt and coal, Staffordshire, England, has been a center for ceramics since the early 17th century. The county was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops and as many as 4,000 bottle-shaped kilns that operated year-round. The term “Staffordshire Potteries” refers to the industrial area of Stoke-on-Trent — comprising the towns Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall — where most of the production was concentrated.
In 1720, potter John Astbury discovered that he could make what would later be called creamware by adding ground flint powder to the local red clay. Because resources were so plentiful in Staffordshire, local potters could afford to experiment, working to refine their techniques and designs. One such innovator was Thomas Whieldon, an important 18th-century potter known today for his tortoiseshell ware, whose brilliant glazed surface of caramel, yellow and green hues was made with copper and manganese compounds.
Whieldon operated the Fenton Low workshop, making coffee- and teapots, dinner services and even ornamental knife hafts. He was an influential figure: Josiah Spode apprenticed at the workshop prior to opening his company in 1770, and Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Whieldon for five years before establishing his eponymous firm in 1759.
Wedgwood is perhaps the best known of the Staffordshire potters. The firm produced a line of light-colored earthenware for Queen Charlotte, who liked it so much that she granted permission to market it under the moniker Queen’s Ware, which despite the name, was designed for everyday use.
In the same regal vein, in 1773, Wedgwood created the 954-piece Frog service for Catherine the Great, of Russia. The company is also known for its black stoneware, Black Basalt, which imitates the color and shapes of Etruscan vases; Jasperware, with its classical reliefs applied on the unglazed body; and pearlware.
By the end of the 18th century, Staffordshire was the primary producer of ceramics for the American colonies, even creating patriotic wares celebrating independence for this market. The imagery on Staffordshire ceramics became more standardized during the mid-18th century with the advent of transferware, in which a design etched on a copper plate is printed on tissue paper, which is then used to transfer the wet ink onto the ceramic surface. This technique enabled artisans to decorate their wares with complex scenes that wrapped around an object’s surface and make several copies of popular patterns.
The Staffordshire potters also produced decorative figurines, such as this charming pair of cows dating from the 19th century. Particularly popular in Great Britain were pieces with hunting imagery, such as this George IV porcelain stirrup cup in the shape of a fox head wearing a gilt collar inscribed with the word “Tallyho.” Among the many whimsical vessels produced is this mid-19th-century frog mug. The exterior is painted with a charming scene of people picking fruit on one side and ladies on a garden swing on the other side, while inside a molded frog’s head at the bottom of the mug makes a gurgling sound when the beverage has been almost completely consumed.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique ceramics from the Staffordshire Potteries including decorative objects, tea sets, dinner plates and other items.
Antique Miniature Staffordshire Pottery Spaniel Dog Figurine with Confetti Fur
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English Staffordshire pottery figurine. Depicting a seated Spaniel. With confetti fur and painted black highlights. Simply a wonderful Staffordshire dog figurine...
Pottery
Staffordshire King Charles Spaniel on Leaf Base
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery figure which features a King Charles spaniel, stood on a leaf embellished base. Dull gilt embellishment.
Earthenware
Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Bacchus Figure, England, 1860-80
By Staffordshire
Located in Downingtown, PA
God of Wine: 19th-Century Staffordshire Pottery Figure of Bacchus Circa 1820–1840 A charming and spirited Staffordshire pottery figure depicting Bacchus (or Dionysus), the classica...
Pottery
Pair Large English Prattware Figures of Autumn & Winter Hand Painted Circa 1790
By Staffordshire
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of large English Prattware figures, hand-painted in Staffordshire around 1790, represents Autumn and Winter through the distinctive charm of late 18th-century folk pottery....
Creamware, Pearlware
Staffordshire Pearlware Bocage Piper Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a man playing a bagpipe, his dog beside him, seated on a shaped base. Decorated 'in the round', deco...
Pearlware
Staffordshire Pearlware Piper with Dog Bocage Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a boy playing a pipe. His dog by his side, stood on a shaped base. Decorated 'in the round' - decora...
$2,132Sale Price / set|20% Off
Grayson Perry's "Home Worker & Key Worker" Complete Set of Staffordshire Figures
By Staffordshire
Located in London, GB
For sale the complete set of Grayson Perry's glazed ceramic hand painted "Home Worker & Key Worker" Staffordshire Figures, a series created for the Bristol Museum of Art in 2021. ...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$1,100Sale Price / set|38% Off
Pair of 19th Century Staffordshire Scottish Highlander Hunters
By Staffordshire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of 19th century equestrian Staffordshire porcelain Scottish Highlander hunters on horseback. Each bearded gentleman is depicted seate...
Porcelain
Antique Staffordshire Pottery Flat Back Figurine of a Gypsy Camp with Campfire
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Staffordshire pottery figural flat back spill vase. In the form of a gypsy family with livestock gathered around a cookin...
Pottery
Rare Large Staffordshire Pottery Otter Hunter Spill Vase
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire spill vase with a hunting theme which features an otter hunter, his dogs and an otter impaled on his spear. Multi-coloured with ...
Earthenware
Staffordshire Pearlware Musicians and Sheep Bocage Group
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a couple seated before a tree, playing musical instruments. Sheep and dogs around them, seated on a ...
Pottery
Circa 1860 English Staffordshire Figure of "The Lion Slayer"
By Staffordshire
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 Staffordshire figure of "The Lion Slayer", English. Large & imposing - a Scottish Highlander with sword drags the slain lion - title on the base. Minor color glaze losses ...
Porcelain
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique English Staffordshire Hand Painted Figural Porcelain Cobbler, C1860
By Staffordshire
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique English Staffordshire porcelain figure depicts hand painted cobbler working on shoe seated on covered stool with puppy peeking from beneath, circa...
Porcelain
Pair Staffordshire Spaniel and Pups in Wash Baskets
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Staffordshire Pottery groups which feature a spaniel and her pups in a wicker wash basket, seated on an oval base. Dull gilt base line and embellishment. Decorated mainly to ...
Earthenware
Pair Staffordshire 'Simpson & Brown' Generals on Horseback
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Staffordshire figures with a military theme which feature two generals each holding a flag, seated on horseback. The pieces are titled, ''G. BROWN' and 'GNL SIMPSON'' to the fronts. Dull gilt titles and embellishment. These represent Sir James Simpson (1792-1868) served with the Grenadier Guards...
Earthenware
Staffordshire Pearlware 'John Wesley' Bust
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bust with a religious theme which features John Wesley, resting on a plinth base. Decorated 'in the round', decoration to front and reverse. Open bott...
Pottery
Staffordshire "Auld Lang Syne" '3' Figured Porcelain circa 1850. English
By Staffordshire
Located in Incline Village, NV
Three figures are seated at a table where rests a jug of ale; all on a rectangular oval base where the title of the porcelain is stated in gold gilt script "Auld Lang Syne...
Porcelain
Large Staffordshire Red Riding Hood and Wolf Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery figure with a theatrical and literary theme which features red riding hood, with a wolf beside her, seated on a circular base. Dull gilt base line and embellish...
Pottery
Staffordshire Pearlware Child in Rocking Cradle
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware model which features a child asleep in a cradle. The cradle sits on curved feet, enabling the cradle to rock from side to side.
Pearlware
Large Staffordshire Pottery Porcellaneous Poodle
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery porcellaneous figure which features a poodle in a playful pose, crouched on a rectangular base. The base has leaf molding around the sides and has two dull gilt...
Porcelain
King Richard the Lionheart Porcelain Staffordshire Pottery Statue Figurine
By Staffordshire
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A Staffordshire figure of King Richard the Lionheart, 19th Century, modelled standing with a flag, in his armour and crown featuring gilded decorations, on an oval gilt-line plinth b...
Porcelain
Staffordshire Cat Figure, Circa 1970
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1970 vintage figure of a cat from the Staffordshire region of England. The cat is decorated in black and white, and has a gold bow around its neck. This is a nice model, as i...
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Staffordshire Spaniels on Bases
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century Staffordshire spaniels in rust and white on blue bases. The spaniels have separated front feet. They are wond...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Staffordshire Spaniels
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century Staffordshire spaniel figures with separated front feet. This pair of dogs has wonderful hand painted copper...
Ceramic
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Gilt Porcelain Dog
By Giustiniani Family 1
Located in New York, NY
Cavalier King Charles spaniel gilt porcelain dog. Antique gilt porcelain dog sculpture on conforming white oblong octagonal gilt banded ...
Porcelain
$8,886 / set
H 32.29 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Pair of Cold Painted Bronze Orientalist Figures of Musicians
Located in London, GB
The figures representing a male and female in colored clothing, playing the violin and the mandolin respectively, each standing on a plinth. These bronze Orientalist style figures...
Bronze
Pair of Staffordshire Cat Figures, Circa 1970
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1970 vintage figures of cats from the Staffordshire region of England. The cat is decorated in rust and white, and has a gold bow around its neck. This is a nice model, as i...
Ceramic
$291
H 5.79 in W 5.52 in D 2.76 in
Antique Stafordshire Puff Dog Confetti Figurine Iridescent Finish Porcelain 1860
By Staffordshire
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This charming antique Staffordshire porcelain figurine, dating to around 1860, depicts a puff dog—most likely a poodle—crafted with exceptional attention to detail. The figurine feat...
Porcelain
Rare Pair Staffordshire Lion and Lioness Figures
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Staffordshire Pottery porcellaneous figures which feature a lion and a lioness with her cub, recumbent on a shaped base. Green ground. Dull gilt embellishment. Decorated 'in ...
Earthenware
Pair of Antique Staffordshire Spaniel Dogs
Located in Suffolk, GB
A charming pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire pottery spaniel figures. These classic red and white King Charles spaniels are beautifully hand-painted with expressive faces, gilt...
Ceramic
Staffordshire Horse and Rider Figure, England, ca. 1850s
By Staffordshire
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Staffordshire Horse and Rider Figure, England, ca. 1850s A large and expressive English Staffordshire equestrian figure dating from the mid-19th century, circa 1850s. Made in glazed...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$556Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6 in W 3 in D 2 in
Pair of Diminutive Red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860
By Staffordshire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of diminutive red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860, Each one exceptionally painted with expressive faces.
Pottery
$1,650
H 8.5 in W 16 in D 5 in
Large Dresden Porcelain Standing Toy Spaniel King Charles / Pekingese, 1900s
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Toy Spaniel (King Charles/Pekingese Type) Dresden, Germany, circa 1890–191 Porcelain, underglaze and overglaze enamel This large-scale porcelain figure represents a toy spanie...
Porcelain
Staffordshire Pearlware Bocage Romulus and Remus Figure Group
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware bocage figure group with a mythological theme. The piece features babies Romulus and Remus with a she-wolf, with birds perched in the tree behind. The...
Pearlware
Rare Pair Staffordshire Pottery Hunting Dogs
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Staffordshire Pottery figures with a hunting theme which feature a setter holding a game bird in it's mouth. They are stood on a shaped base with a tree in the background. Th...
Earthenware
Rare Staffordshire Pottery Recumbent Spaniel
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery figure which features a spaniel, recumbent. Dull gilt collar and locket. Flatback, decorated mainly to the front. Vent hole to the reverse. Book reference ,'A-Z...
Earthenware
Staffordshire Rare Transfer Printed Cow & Milkmaid Pottery Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stunning antique Staffordshire transfer printed pottery model of a cow and milkmaid figure dating from the mid 19th century. The well potted and hand crafted figure stands...
Pottery
Sold
H 15 in W 9.25 in D 3.5 in
Staffordshire Pottery Figure of President Abraham Lincoln on Horseback
By Staffordshire
Located in Downingtown, PA
Staffordshire Pottery Figure of Lincoln on Horseback Mid-19th Century The figure depicts President Abraham Lincoln sitting on horseback, his head turned towards the viewer, on an ov...
Pottery
circa 1860-80 Staffordshire Shepherdess Spill Vase
By Staffordshire
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
circa 1860-80 English Staffordshire spill vase, a shepherdess. Note the gentle crazing & blue tones in crevices of her dress. Possible lip restoration. 6"W × 2"D × 10"H.
Porcelain
Pair Staffordshire Pottery Black & White Spaniels
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Staffordshire Pottery dog figures which feature seated spaniels. Black and white version. Dull gilt collar and locket. Vent hole to the reverse.
Earthenware
Sold
H 10 in W 5.63 in D 2.63 in
Antique English Staffordshire Pottery Figurine of "The Prince & Princess"
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Staffordshire pottery figurine. Depicting Princess Alexandra of Denmark and Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales. The two were married in 1863. The royal figures stan...
Pottery
Staffordshire Florence Nightingale with Soldier Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery figure with which features Florence Nightingale tending to a wounded soldier, stood on an oval base. The piece is titled, 'M...
Earthenware
Staffordshire Pottery Girl with St. Bernard Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Parr Factory Staffordshire figure with a childhood theme which features the a girl, standing in front of a St. Bernard dog, stood on an oval base. Dull gilt base line and embellishment. Decorated 'in the round' - decoration to front and reverse. Vent hole to the reverse. Book reference ,'Victorian Staffordshire Figures...
Earthenware
Very Large Pair Staffordshire Black & White Spaniels
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Staffordshire Pottery figures which feature a very large spaniel, front leg molded free, seated directly on the ground, no base. ...
Earthenware
Staffordshire Pottery Boy with St. Bernard Figure
By Staffordshire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Parr Factory Staffordshire figure with a childhood theme which features a boy, standing in front of a St. Bernard dog, stood on an oval base. Dull gilt base line and embellishment. D...
Earthenware