Patterns of the Month: American

Each month we feature a new pattern from our Pattern and Source Print Database and archive them on these pages by category.

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Here is a 16.75 inch platter in the American Historical series known as the States Series. It was made by James and Ralph Clews around 1825. The English view in the center features Justice and Liberty on either side whose plinths say America and Independence. The oval medallion held by Justice shows George Washington. The banner displays the names of 15 American states separated by stars. See if you can figure out which states aren't part of the original thirteen! For more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the pattern and source print database.

"The Dam And Water Works Philadelphia" is one of two patterns on a 10 inch plate depicting this view. However, each view has a different boat in the foreground. This pattern is known as "Stern Wheel" boat view, as opposed to the "Side Wheel" version. The backgrounds of the Water Works are the same on each. The source of this view is a drawing by Thomas Birch, engraved by R. Campbell, 1824. The pattern was made by Henshall & Co. (1790-1828). To learn more about this pattern, its source print and the other similar patterns, see "Dam and Water Works Philadelphia" in the pattern and source print database.

"The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad" by Enoch Wood & Sons (1818-1846) is found on a 10 inch plate. This is the level version of the pattern, as there is an incline version. The pattern is from the Shell Border Series - Circular Center. More can be learned about the series by searching Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the pattern and source print database. To see more patterns in the series, search Shell Border.

Arctic Scenery

This 10.5 inch plate depicts at least one of nine scenes from this series of patterns illustrating the travels of Sir Edward William Parry around the northern part of Canada. The animals in the border, however, are distinctly tropical! For more information about this amusing and informative series, see Arctic Scenery in the pattern and source print database.

"New York From Heights Near Brooklyn" - Andrew Stevenson
This 16.5 inch platter illustrates the reason for the interest in patterns that portray early America. The beautifully printed pattern opens a window onto a view of New York City nearly two hundred years ago. Made by Andrew Stevenson (1810-1836), the pattern is one of a series. See this and other patterns of early America under American Themes in the pattern and source print database.

"Harvard College" by Enoch Wood & Sons (1818-1846).This 10.5 inch plate is printed in dark brown, and is from Wood's Celtic China series, probably circa 1835-1846. David and Linda Arman in Historical Staffordshire, An Illustrated Check-List (1974) list 18 views in this series. The series, printed in black, brown, purple, light blue, pink and green, portrays scenic views of historical America.

"Picturesque Views, Hudson, Hudson River" by James and Ralph Clews, printed in underglaze brown, Staffordshire circa 1835. The central view varies according to size. The views of the Hudson River area are taken from W.G. Walls's Hudson River Portfolio. There are also views from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. The series is also printed in black, light blue, pink (red) and purple.

"Harp" by R. Stevenson, printed in underglaze purple, Staffordshire circa 1830. This pattern is mainly seen in dark bluee.

"W. Penns Treaty" on earthenware in underglaze brown by Thomas Green, Minerva Works, Fenton, Staffordshire, circa 1847. The central pattern varies by size. This is a 17" platter. The pattern was also printed in green, pink, black, and blue.

Find additional patterns and more extensive information in our Pattern and Source Print Database.

See other Patterns of the Month by category:

Advertising	Aesthetic	American	Animals	British Themes	Children's
Chinoiserie	European	Floral	Indian/Oriental	Literature	Miscellaneous	Romantic