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WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES Vol. 22 No. 2 Fall 2015 J. & E. Mayer Pottery Grand Loop by J.F.
WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES
Vol. 22 No. 2 Fall 2015
J. & E. Mayer PotteryGrand Loop by J.F.
Page 2 Vol. 22-2
WICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dorothy Riley, President Jane Diemer,Vice President Carol Fleischman, Secretary Dave Klein, Treasurer Jeanne Atkinson Chuck Ulmann Dennis Contri Wes Diemer Barb Stewart Joe Eidukaitis Rev. John R. Schilling III Barbara Tegtmeyer Rick Nielsen
Legal Advisor: Tom Moreland
The WHITE IRONSTONE CHINAASSOCIATION, INC.is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is tofurther our knowledge and enjoyment of whiteironstone china. WHITE IRONSTONE NOTES is the official newsletter of the corporation.Photographs submitted by members become theproperty of WICA, Inc., and no article, photographor drawing may be reproduced without the expresspermission of WICA, Inc. WHITE IRONSTONENOTES is published and edited by Rick andSuzanne Nielsen with associate editor, JaneDiemer. Drawings and photos are by Rick andSuzanne Nielsen, unless otherwise noted. Please sendall news notes, articles, photos, suggestions,questions and listings for advertising or for theSpare Parts and Whole Pieces column to:WICA, c/o Rick Nielsen1132 Westmoor PlaceSaint Louis MO 63131314-997-7963e-mail: [email protected]
WICA Website::www.whiteironstonechina.com
ADVERTISING RATESAdvertisements will be accepted in order of receiptfrom WICA members and, space allowing, fromnon-members. Rates (subject to change): $10 percolumn inch (7 lines). Non- members, $20 percolumn inch. Payment in full by check made out toWICA must accompany each ad.Send to newsletter address above.Publishing DeadlinesNov.15forWinter,Feb.15forSpring,May15 forSummer,Aug.15forFall.
Members can list white ironstone parts &pieces wanted and for sale without charge in theSpare Parts column of each issue.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIPSend $40 for one or two individuals at the sameaddress with check made payable to WICA, Inc. to:WICA c/o Chuck Ulmann1320 Ashbridge Rd. WestChester, PA 19380e-mail: [email protected] Membershipyear is June 1st to May 31st.
ADDRESS CHANGESe-mail [email protected]
From the Editor’s DeskThank you to all, for the notes and callsabout my initial newsletter. Your kindwords will inspire me to strive toimprove the content and appearance ofthe WICA NOTES.I rely on the input of the WICA membersto suggest topics and send photos of newfinds and interesting items, like BarbStewart’s unusual find and research onthe Dangling Tulips shape to be featuredin the next newsletterMembers should “Save the Date” for the2016 Convention (See ConventionUpdate on page 5.) For those that havenot had a chance to attend a convention,it is a fun filled weekend with theopportunity to meet like mindedcollectors and add those special piecesyou have been searching for over theyears. Please set aside some items toconsign to the auction as well as takingsome gems for Show and Tell. Moreinformation to follow in WICA NOTESFall and Winter issues.
Letters to the Editor
If you or anyone else reading this haveany ironstone with American marks fromthe East Liverpool, Ohio area (includingbut not limited to Knowles, Taylor &Knowles, Vodrey & Brother, Wallace &Chetwynd, Harker, and dozens more),and you would consider donating them tothe Museum of Ceramics Foundationwhich operates the Museum of Ceramics(the only ceramics museum to devote itscollection to ware made in one tinygeographic area by hundreds of potteriesover three centuries), please do drop me aline at [email protected] give me a call 1-800-600-7180. Ourarea potteries were making whiteironstone from roughly the 1870sthrough the early decades of the 20thcentury. Thank you for yourconsideration of this possibility.Sarah Webster Vodrey(Please view the press release on page 4of this newsletter.)
Dear All:We found this mug last week when wewere in Door County, WI, and while Iwould not ordinarily buy this, I wasintrigued by the mark: S. W. Dean andEdge Malkin & Co.I checked Godden and see that S. W. Deanwas at Newport Pottery in Burslem,Staffordshire. It was the successor forEdge Malkin and in operation from 1904 -1910, when it became Deans (1910 -1919). Neither of my marks books showthis particular mark. I am assuming thatthis must have been used in 1904 as EdgeMalkin was transitioning to become S. W.Dean.The mug itself is ribbed into 10 sectionswith a wheat pattern along the top. Theembossing is not that strong, so maybe themold was getting a tad worn! I'm not surewhat body style to call it - probably closestto Ceres.Michael Compton
Has anyone else seen this maker? If so letus know.
.
Today Brenda & I traveled to CamdenSouth Carolina – 167 miles one way – tobid on A Leon Danchin – French artistaround 1920’s to 1930’s – English setterprint. It sold for much more than any ofthe other prints we have by Danchin – sowe did not purchase it.While In Camden, we visited all of theantique stores in town – I believe therewere eight.There was only one piece of ironstonechina in the stores so even though we didnot need it - -we purchased it. (had tojustify the trip). Now, what am I going todo with two of these things?Boyd Payne
Editor’s Note; An embarrassment ofriches, Lazy Susans must have been big inNorth Carolina.
Index
Page 2. Editors NotePage 2. Letters to the EditorPage 3. President’s LetterPage 4. Ceramics Museum Press ReleasePage 5. Convention 2016 UpdatePage 7. J. & E. Mayer PotteryPage 9. Grand Loop ProfilePage 14. Ebay FindsPage 15. Old ChinaPage 16. Spare Parts / Collector Showcase
Page 3 Vol. 22-2
President’s LetterIt’s hard to believe that summer isalmost gone and I’m writing for theautumn newsletter. I hope all ofyou had a wonderful summer andthat you found beautiful pieces ofwhite ironstone. I’ve spent the pastfew weekends compiling theinformation from the conventionsurvey into an Excel spreadsheetand tabulating the data. I received31 completed surveys back frompeople that attended the convention.Some of the surveys are for twopeople, but I only count one vote foreach completed survey received.Thank you so much for the feedbackand the ideas! I also appreciate thenotes and letters that were attachedto surveys and mailed to our home.The support I receive from themembership means a lot to me. Theoverall rating for the convention was‘Very Good’ in first place and‘Excellent’ in second place. OurSaturday presentations by DavidHoexter and Dennis Contri receivedpositive feedback. There wereseveral comments received thatpeople would like the talks to moveback and focus on white ironstone.The auction and Show, Tell and Askboth continue to be the most popularevents held. Many commentsindicated that everyone seems toagree that seeing people and meetingfriends are the biggest attractions inattending our conventions. Manypeople requested that we holdanother convention in Ohio,perhaps, Columbus or back in theCleveland area.
Please let me know if you wouldlike to receive the full copy of theresults. I would be happy to send itto you. The mid-year Board ofDirectors’ meeting will be onSaturday, October 31, at 10 a.m.EST using conference calling. Inthe past, it has been the practice forthe Board of Directors to meet at thehotel where the next convention willbe held. We have been to this site ata previous convention and are happyto return. Last October’s mid-yearBoard meeting was held via Webexand conference calling. By usingthis method we were able to avoidtraveling and still hold our meetingfrom our individual homes. Iappreciate the help I receive fromyou on our Facebook Page. I onlyhave my own collection to showcaseon it and I really like to see yourcollections too. If there issomething in particular you’d likeme to post, please let me know. Itry to think of something different topost each week. Please rememberthe White Ironstone ChinaAssociation Facebook Page is forour club. If you have pieces youwould like to sell, please feel free tofeature them on our Facebook Page.There are over four hundred peoplevisiting our page and a largeaudience of people who enjoyironstone. The more all of us useour page, the more attention we willdraw to promote ironstone and toour club WICA.Thanks, DorothyWICA Board President
Next IssueNewsletter Vol. 22-1 peakedinterest in cheese domes.Please take and send photos ofyour cheese domes.
Jean WetherbeeAward Recipients:
Jean WetherbeeErnie and Bev DieringerTom and Olga MorelandRick NielsenAdele ArmbrusterJim KerrHarry MoseleyDave and Karen Klein
WICA ShoppeWhite Ironstone: A Collector’s GuideBy Jean Wetherbee, $30.00White Ironstone China PlateIdentification Guide 1840-1890By Bev and Ernie Dieringer $25.95White Ironstone Pitchers I orWhite Ironstone Pitchers IIBy Bev and Ernie Dieringer $30.00Relief Molded Jugs Book Vol. IIBy Kathy Hughes $29.00WICA Notes on DVDVol. 1-1 thru Vol. 21.4 $95.00Packing and Shipping Charges:
Up to $25 $4.99$25.01 - $50.00 $5.99$50.01 - $75.00 $8.99$75.01 - $100.00 $10.99
Checks payable to WICA & remit toDave & Karen Klein1513 Perry StreetDavenport IA [email protected]
Karen Zindel hosted a wonderfully joy-filled regional on Saturday,August 29 at her home in West Chester, PA. Some WICA membershad not been seen for several years, and a spirit-filled time was hadwhile catching up. Attending: Ted Brockey, Ed Rigoulot, DeniseSchine, Jane, Wes and Graf Diemer, Gloria Weatherby, Karen Zindel,Roxann Rich, Nancy Jo and Jay Lutz, Sue Bergner, Ellen Miller,Gregory and Jim Wollon, Mara and Jim Kerr, Mary Ann and ChuckUlmann, John Schilling and speakers Roy and Lois Blankenship, whospoke generally on restoration and conservation of fine art. Sweettoothswere happy with Karen’s choice of the cake with the WICA logopictured to the left.
Page 4 Vol. 22-4
August 7, 2015 PRESS RELEASE: MUSEUM CELEBRATES TWO PROJECTS
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – In the Museum of Ceramics' 35thanniversary year, we celebrate the completion of two recent constructionprojects. The museum has air conditioning thanks to the Ohio HistoryConnection. The Museum of Ceramics Foundation also completed our“Access? All Right!” project, which brings a new addition includes anelevator and an accessible restroom. The MOCF project architect wasScott Shepherd of A & I Studios, in East Liverpool, Ohio. Members ofthe Ohio History Connection staff as well as Museum of CeramicsFoundation board members will speak at the event, scheduled for FridayAugust 7, 2015 from 1:30-2:30; then a ribbon will be cut, and donorplaques will be admired. Those present for the celebration will also getto see the newest special exhibit “Awesome Aesthetic Style: 1880s-1900s”, consisting of almost fifty ceramic objects all made in the area onloan from museum member volunteers. The Aesthetic era is wellrepresented in the fifty or so decals and decorations. Special new
technology exhibits of videos and games will also enhance the experience.
The museum, at 400 East Fifth St., is on the National Register of Historic Places and occupies the former 1909post office. The Museum of Ceramics houses an extensive collection of the wares produced in the city long knownas "The Staffordshire of America", and "The Pottery Capital of the Nation." This is the only museum in the nationdevoted entirely to the ceramics production in one small geographic area by hundreds of potteries over threecenturies. The museum's presence enhances the quality of life in the tri-state area. There are ongoing cultural andeducational events at the museum. The museum's collection appeals to a variety of interests, including ceramics,collecting, history, art, design, science, architecture, and politics. It provides tangible connections to these subjectsfor people of all ages. Generous and thorough research assistance is regularly provided.
In recent years, the museum has hosted visitors from 48 states, and 47 nations. The museum’s Facebook pageattracts visitors from all over the USA, and 60 nations. For more information about the museum, visit betweenTuesdays through Fridays 9:30-3:30, and Saturdays 9:30-noon.
Visit the museum website: www.TheMuseumofCeramics.org. Call 1-800-600-7180.
Regular Admission: free to members, $6 adults, $3 students. Museum memberships are available online as well asin person.
This is the inheritance of every American, and aresource for visitors from forty seven nations andalmost every state. We look forward to your visit,and your support.
Ms. Sarah Webster Vodrey, Director,6th generation descendant of pioneer potters
The Museum of Ceramics400 East Fifth StreetEast Liverpool, Ohio43920
Page 5 Vol. 22-2
The 2016 White Ironstone China AssociationAnnual Meeting will be held in York PA atthe Wyndam Garden Hotel (formally theHoliday Inn Conference Center where weheld our meeting in 2014) from 29 Aprilthrough 1 May. The hotel has undergone alarge renovation to bring the facility up toWyndham standards. Renovations includedthe public space, ballroom and main lobbies,indoor pool area, fitness center and businesscenter. An elevator has been installed andguest rooms have been upgraded.
We have two wonderful talks planned by ourprogram content chair for this meeting, JaneDiemer. One is "Antique Dishes in Antique
Homes (tentative)" to be presented by Karen Weatherby Zindel. This will be a look at how we live withironstone and other ceramics." Our second program will be on china shapes. Bob Hohl will present “The ManyShapes of Flow Blue/ Mulberry and More!!” a program that deals with SHAPES of ceramics, not patterns. Hisresearch was involved deeply with what was uncovered by Rosalie Spire at Kew. Bob is very excited about thisnew primary source material and will prove to be an exciting speaker for York in 2016.
“Believe me it is difficult to publicize a WICA convention activitywhen one does not have details, so please consider this a conventionANNOUNCEMENT. I do know the date of the Friday WICA guidedtour of the Gettysburg Battlefield and surrounding town; it is Friday,April 29, 2016. Vehicles from the Historic Tour Co. of Gettysburgwill pick up our WICA group at the Wyndham Garden Hotel onLoucks Road, York, and after approximately one hour we will arrivein Gettysburg, PA for a 2 1/2 hour tour of Gettysburg, the town, andall of the surrounding area of Civil War fame. Something differentthis year – box lunches at a nearby picnic pavilion will be featured;and there are rest stops along the way. One hour return trip to theWyndham Garden; we can take the first 43 people in a van and in abus. There is little to no walking: the tour is narrated by professionalguides on bothvehicles. I wishI could provideat least anapproximate per
person cost, but the company’s owner will not provide oneuntil after the first of the year. I can try to answerquestions; please email me at [email protected] thanks. Jane Diemer – Tour Organizer”
(Continued on Page 6)
Convention 2016 News
Page 6 Vol.22-2
Convention 2016 News (Continued from page 5)
I am putting together an exhibit of punch bowls and toddybowls. These exhibits are always a high point of our annualmeetings. This one will be no different. If bright white getsa bit much, just bring your sun glasses along.Every year the Program Committee tries to come up with anexhibit for WICA members to enjoy and be educational aswell. The 2016 convention in York PA will host an exhibitof punch bowls, hot toddy bowls and syllabub cups. In anearly issue of the WICA NOTES, (Vol.6 #3) these pieceswere showcased, but I hope that many new examples havebeen found since. I do need your assistance to make thisexhibit a great success again. If you have a punch bowl orhot toddy bowl with or without syllabubs or just syllabubsand can bring them to the convention, Please contact CarolFleischman. I can be reached by phone at 815-723-0904 orby email at [email protected] . I will need a photo as well
as the shape and potter name to produce name badges and an index. The participation of the members is crucial inmaintaining the high quality of exhibits we have enjoyed in the past. The exhibit continues to be one of thehighlights of the convention, so plan to take your examples to York, PA in 2016. Many thanks, Carol Fleishman-Exhibit Organizer
All of the events we have come to enjoy at the meeting, Show and Tell, our auctions, sales, will take place duringthis exciting weekend. WICA officers have obtained an excellent room rate of $99 per night which includescontinental breakfast with a waffle bar and fresh baked pastries. Learn more about the Wyndam Garden Hotel byvisiting the website. Search for "Wyndam Garden Hotel York PA" in your browser. Our rate of $99 per nightwill be honored 3 days before and 3 days after our event based on availability.
So mark those dates on your calendar, 29 April through 01 May, 2016 for the WICA Annual Meeting in York,PA, the White Rose City. Convention Coordinators-Mary Ann & Chuck Ulmann
Facebook Inquiry and ResponseRickey Newton’s
original compote photosRick Armbruster’s side by side photo answerRickey Newton bought a
compote at a local estatesale and was curious if ithad ever had a lid. Therewere several responses tohis query, but WICAMember Rick Armbrustercame up with thedefinitive answer, as hephotographed a compoteand a lidded hot toddybowl side by side to detailthe differences in the rim.This is an example of whyyou should look atfacebook periodically andspread your knowledge.Way to go, Rick.
Page 7 Vol..22-2
Around 1721, a potter by the name of John Meir came into prominence in Derbyshire, England. After thefamily name was changed and several generations past, Joseph Mayer and his two brothers Thomas and Johnstarted the Dale Hall Works Pottery in Burslem in 1836. They continued making high quality china throughout themiddle of the19th century. In the early1880’s, 2 sons of Joseph, Ernest and Joseph Mayer came to America to carryon the Mayer name as one of the highest quality potters. The brothers created an importing business in New Yorkto gauge the marketplace in America. After a couple of years importing and distributing china, the brotherspurchased a small plant in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. They completely renovated the plant and built new kilns tobegin producing iron stone wares. Just after production began, tastes turned to lusterware, so their small plantprincipally made luster band and sprig ware. The pottery became well known for its quality and amassed a stellarreputation within the trade.
As time went by, the pottery increased in size and became a producer of one of the best grades of semi-porcelain earthenware. Beautiful underglaze decoration was added to this refined body, and before long MayerChina stood preeminent in the potting community. In 1896 a devastating fire leveled the plant which prompted thebrothers to build a larger and more efficient plant.
After the new plant was built, the Mayer brothers decided to begin making Vitrified Hotel China. This newendeavor created many obstacles, one of which was keeping the wares straight during the firing process. Toalleviate the problem, they invented and patented a machine that mechanically embeds the ware in sand, whichdramatically decreases the damage that occurs during the first burning stages. Another issue that needed to beaddressed was the mismatch underglazed color, so they built a fully equipped color making plant. The color plantassured them of high quality and uniform colors to apply to the wares. New types of dryers were adapted toimprove the final step in the process. Along with all the technical advances, the plant continued to grow as seen onthe front cover of the newsletter. Each new building was erected using fire resistant materials and an automaticsprinkler system, to prevent another catastrophe. (continued on Page 8)
J. & E. Mayer Marks
Circa 1881 - early 1900 1880- 1900 w/o date code Circa 1890s - 1912 1930s - early 1940s
Page 8 Vol. 22-2 (Continued from Page 7)
Glost Tunnel Kilns at Mayer Pottery
The diagram to the left is from a patent application, and is addedto illustrate the differences between the new technology and thetraditional bottle kilns. The Mayer Pottery was among the first totake advantage of this new kiln design by building tunnel kilnswhich insure constant temperature control. A tunnel kiln is a kilnwhich has a track running through it, upon which insulated carsare filled with china travel. These kilns had several fire boxesplaced along the track that allow the potters to gradually heat upthe wares, and cool down at a rate desired.
Page 9 Vol.22-2
Even though we had a profile on Jacob Furnival almost 10 years ago (Vol. 13-1), after the convention whichfeatured all of J.F.’s Shapes, only group shots were published then, and several new items have surfaced since thattime. Grand Loop is a favorite of many members and is breathtaking in its simplicity.
Jacob Furnival had a pottery in Cobridge, England from 1845-1870. See photo to the right, note that Furnival & Co. isspelled out over the front Door. There has been muchconjecture about the relationship between Grand Loop, Loopand Line and paneled Lily. Some examples of serving piecesare marked with both J.F. and J.W. Pankhurst . Some pieceshave a large loop while others have a much smaller loop. Wewill try to point out the duplications within the pictorialreview..One lesson I have learned is, until we have firstaccount facts (pottery sales catalog, information from thepottery) we are just guessing at those connections. Rememberthe rule “If you own it, you can call it whatever you want”
Here is the photo from the previous write up (Vol. 13-1). Individual piece photos on next several pages
Shape Profile Grand LoopBy Jacob Furnival
Page 10 Vol. 22-2
Grand Loop Tea set and Coffee setNotice that the tea pots, coffee pots, and sugar bowls came with 2 different finials, a split pod and a flower bud.
Coffee Pot, Tea Pot, Sugar Bowl (split pod finials), &creamer
Creamer Sugar Bowl (flower bud finial)
Coffee Pots and Teapots with both finials Coffee Pot and Sugar Bowl with split pod finial
Grand Loop Soup and Sauce TureensThese tureens will exemplify the difference in body styles
Matching Soup and Sauce Tureens Sauce Tureen and Gravy boat
Page 11 Vol. 22-2
Grand Loop/ Paneled Lily Sauce Tureens
Straight line lip. Curved lip, found with J.F. and Pankhurst mark
Grand Loop Toilet SetNo soap dish or horizontal brush box are known.
Toilet Set Chamber pots came in 2 sizes
The elongated Loop is stunning on this Ewer. 2 Piece Vertical Toothbrush Holder
Page 12 Vol. 22-2
Grand Loop Punch Bowls and Toddy Bowls
See the difference of loops on this punch bowl This punch bowl is found with both marks
Hot Toddy Bowl also came in 2 sizes The same finial on both these Hot Toddy Bowls
Grand Loop Compote and Mixing Bowl
Curved lip Compote Straight Lip Mixing Bowl
Page 13 Vol.22-2
Plates and Table Ware
Grand Loop plate photo and drawing Loop and Line plate and drawing
Handled relish dish Covered vegetable tureen
Covered Butter Dish Gravy Boat
Page 14 Vol. 22-2
Oddities Spotted on E-Bay
Parisian Porcelainby Henry Alcock &Co.creamer w/embossedregistrationdiamond andprinted “Patent”information. Doesanyone have moreexamples of thisshape?If so please sendphotos to the editor.
Pompeii Shapecovered vegetableby Mellor,Venables & Co..Registered July,15th 1847. Thisshape is not oftenseen as evidencedby just 2 piecesphotographed in theIllustrated Guide.
Chamber Pot madeby Marple, Turner& Co.. I have neverseen this makerbefore and love therose, thistle andshamrockdecoration aroundthe garter in theprinted mark.
Fluted Pearl Shapeoctagonal coveredvegetable tureen byJ. Wedgwood.Registered October7th, 1847. Thisshape is usuallyfound in oval form,so what a surpriseto see this piece onebay
Page 15 Vol. 22-2
Old ChinaI purchased a book on Ebay titled OLD CHINA. It was written by Minnie Watson Kamm and published in 1951.The book contains the information that was available 64 years ago, and that information has been updated overthe years, but I thought it would be interesting to take excerpts from the spiral bound book, making use as anarticle for building your knowledge and Ironstone IQ.
The second article is Corn and Oats:
Page 16 Vol.. 22 2
Wanted Wanted For SaleAny item in any fluted form,particularly Fluted Band byWedgwood. Ceres Slop Jar lidby Elsmore & ForsterJane Diemer - 302- 475-7412or [email protected].
Lid for Grand Loop sugar, 3 5/8"outside diameter. Lid for Presidentsoup tureen, oval 9 1/4" lg. insidediameter. Lid for Divided Gothicdecagon soup tureen 7 5/8" insidediameter.Steve Canup- 828-743-9435or [email protected]
Sugar bowl lid for Livesley &Powell. Prairie Flowers. outsiderim 3", inside rim 2 3/4"Barbara Stewart- 703-560-3637or [email protected]
Laurel Wreath horizontal toothbrush/razor box by Elsmore & ForsterPatty Hurt- 713-997-8879or [email protected]
Laurel Wreath Soup Tureen Liner.Boyd Payne- 336-227-7177 [email protected]
Embossed Punch bowls, punchcups, mugs and compotes.Prairie, Scotia, Canada, MorningGlory, Mobile Shapes.Bill Lancaster- 608-325-5724or lancastermonroe@charter,net
Downsizing large,high quality,collection. Contact Bertica Vasseur603-899-2886 for more information.
RARE RETICULATED COMPOTE
Offered for sale is an unmarked andperhaps one of a kind reticulatedcompote. Perfect except for oneminute chip on the very bottom ofthe foot. Price is $350 whichincludes mailing and insurance.Call Jane Diemer: 302-475-7412 orE-Mail to [email protected]
Spare Parts
Collectors’ ShowcaseThese two syrup pitchers have identicalmelon ribs and grapevine decorationaround the top, but the handles are verydifferent. As you can see, the one onthe right has a ring handle and ismarked Anthony Shaw, while the oneon the left is very different butunmarked. This body style has beennamed “Vintage Beauty” withatribution to both Anthony Shaw andJ.F.. Maybe we have just discovered thedifference in design and can avoidfurther confusion. If any member hasan example of this body style or moreinformation on it, please send photo orinformation to the editor.
