Research Tools for Identifying and Analyzing British Transferware
Author(s): Leslie L. Bouterie
Year: 2018
Summary
At the home of President James Madison in Orange, Virginia, the rich archaeological deposits of transfer-printed ceramics provide valuable information about the presidential family, their many guests, and the enslaved community that lived and worked there. Due to the distinctive patterns, evolving styles, vessel forms, colors, and often limited production periods of the various makers, important historical clues can be gleaned from British transferware.
In addition to referencing archival records, printed materials, and existing collections, Montpelier researchers use a variety of online tools in their quest to identify patterns and forms. The Transferware Collectors Club Database of Patterns and Sources, with more than 14,000 entries, has proven to be a particularly valuable resource, aiding in the identification of more than 50 patterns from sherds found on-site. Using examples from Montpelier excavations, this investigative process will be examined and explained, offering helpful tips for researching, identifying and analyzing transfer-printed wares.
Cite this Record
Research Tools for Identifying and Analyzing British Transferware. Leslie L. Bouterie. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, New Orleans, Louisiana. 2018 ( tDAR id: 441181)
Keywords
General
Ceramics
•
Research
•
Transferware
Geographic Keywords
North America
•
United States of America
Temporal Keywords
1780-1840
Spatial Coverage
min long: -129.199; min lat: 24.495 ; max long: -66.973; max lat: 49.359 ;
Individual & Institutional Roles
Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology
Record Identifiers
PaperId(s): 534