Early 20th Century Ford & Sons English Flow Blue Porcelain Tureen "Carlton" Pattern, Without Lid

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We kindly invite you to read the full description, as it includes both technical and historical details meant to guarantee … Read more We kindly invite you to read the full description, as it includes both technical and historical details meant to guarantee the authenticity of our pieces.
A classic English tureen in white and cobalt blue porcelain, this piece features a tall, elegant silhouette with two generous handles that extend gracefully to the midsection of the body. The overall design is refined and harmonious, enriched with delicate ornamental details and artisanal workmanship. The tureen is offered without its original lid. The underside bears the mark of Ford & Sons, with the model name Carlton impressed at the center of the stamp (see mark no. 1585-6, p. 253 in the Encyclopaedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks) date 1908. Ford & Sons, based in Newcastle Street in Burslem, Staffordshire, played a significant role in the British ceramic industry from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The company was founded in 1893 by Thomas Ford with his sons Thomas Isaac and Sampson Hancock Ford, and operated under the name Ford & Sons until 1938. That year, it was acquired by Oswald Shufflebottom and became Ford & Sons (Crownford) Ltd. The business ceased operations in June 1964, due to financial difficulties that led to its liquidation. Renowned for its production of earthenware and decorative porcelain, Ford & Sons specialized in dinnerware, plates, tureens, and vases. The company was particularly known for its use of the transferware technique, a method of transferring engraved designs onto ceramic surfaces through printing. Among its most appreciated creations were pieces decorated in flow blue, like this tureen — a type of transferware in which cobalt blue patterns blur slightly during firing, creating a distinctive soft-focus effect. Ford & Sons earned a solid reputation both domestically and abroad, contributing to Burslem’s status as a prominent hub for English ceramic production. Transferware refers to a specific decorative technique developed in Staffordshire during the mid-18th century. Designs were etched onto copper plates, inked, and then transferred onto a special paper or cloth, which was applied to the surface of the glazed ceramic (such as plates, jugs, trays, tureens, etc.). The item was then glazed again and kiln-fired. This printing process, introduced by John Sadler and Guy Green in Liverpool in 1756, allowed for detailed decoration on a larger production scale. Today, white and blue porcelain transferware is highly sought-after by collectors and antique enthusiasts. The tureen is in good condition, with a beautiful all-over craquelure. The porcelain white has developed a warm patina over time, which speaks to its age and authenticity. Dimensions: Width: 37 cm. Depth: 23 cm. Height: 13 cm. All our shipments are handled with the utmost care. We use custom wooden crates, high-density foam, and protective materials to ensure maximum safety during transport. See less