Collecting ironstone is one of my favorite pastimes!
Are you a lover of antique and vintage ironstone dishes like I am? For me, collecting ironstone dishes began with one very special piece, a piece that I had completely forgotten that I even had!
Many years ago, I started seeing vintage ironstone showing up in all the beautiful home decorating magazines.
Displayed in old painted cabinets, on antique sideboards, and on open shelving in gorgeous kitchens, were these pretty dishes in different shades of white.
The more I saw them, the more I became drawn to those collections.
I loved the simplicity, and also the visual impact that ironstone made when displayed in large collections.
Around the same time that ironstone started becoming very collectible, I was also in the process of slowly transitioning my own decorating style to one using more neutral colors.
Slowly, I was changing out upholstery, painting walls, and generally decorating with more whites, creams, grays, and blues so I naturally became intrigued with the layers and texture that a collection of ironstone gave a space.
I wanted those creamy pieces of ironstone stacked up in my own cabinets, so I decided to actively start looking for, and collecting, vintage ironstone.
Then it suddenly dawned on me, that I already owned a piece of antique white ironstone.
It was a lovely, petite, English sauce tureen by Bishop & Powell. A family heirloom that I had packed away and completely forgotten about.
This piece had belonged to my grandmother, passed on to my mother, and then to me.
My grandmother always called the tureen a gravy bowl, because that’s what she always served in it.
The small sauce tureen was complete with an underplate that was always placed underneath it to catch any drips.
I have many memories of meals served with this petite tureen used as a serving piece at almost every meal.
The tureen was passed to my mother and she continued the tradition of using it for gravy. It almost always held her sausage gravy, made to smother the made from scratch biscuits that we all loved.
This precious ironstone tureen has been well used by several generations, and I’m often amazed that it has survived without getting broken.
Once I realized that I already had the first piece in my collection, I searched in earnest for more pieces to add, finding pitchers, tureens, platters, and bowls.
It didn’t take long for me to amass quite a collection.
In the beginning of my collection, I bought anything I could find at a good price, but as the collection grew, I started curating it a bit more.
Now I only buy English or French ironstone, and have a special affection for ironstone with lion’s head handles, which is pretty rare to find.
And butter pats….I have such a weakness for those little stacks of butter pats!
I also love to find pieces that are hallmarked with the same marking as my grandmother’s tureen, Bishop & Powell.
These pieces seem to be hard to find in our area, so I rarely find them, but I keep looking!
During my search for old ironstone, I starting coming across English marmalade jars and French mustard pots, many from the late 1800’s.
These old transferware advertising pots had such fabulous graphics and they displayed beautifully among my ironstone dishes.
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for more advertising ironstone and I’ve found some wonderful pieces!
One of my most recent finds is the English pudding mold with the recipe printed on the outside, a rare French milk pitcher, and the huge French mustard pot.
I also love collecting old English marmalade jars by Frank Cooper.
Cooper is a family name, so perhaps old Frank is a distant relative? I like to think so!
The Frank Cooper marmalade jars are a rarity and I’ve never found any here in the States, mine have all been bought from English sellers. The James Dundee marmalade jars are more commonly found.
The French mustard pots, with their wonderful French graphics, are a fabulous addition to the ironstone collection as well, with different styles, depending on the year they were made.
My favorites are the very early ones from the mid to late 1800’s, with their skinny necks.
It’s fun collecting antique ironstone, marmalade jars, and french mustard pots, and displaying them together.
Prices have certainly gone up with the surge in it’s popularity, and, in my area at least, ironstone is now getting more difficult to find.
Vintage and antique ironstone can be found in so many different places……..flea markets, auctions, antique shops, thrift stores, estate and yard sales! It can also be found online at Ebay, Etsy, Rubylane, and 1st Dibs, just to name a few, and prices vary.
Not sure how to recognize ironstone? Many times there will be a marking indicating that it’s ironstone. You can also tell by the weight of the piece, it is weighty like earthenware would be. Also, it will always be opaque. Under light, you shouldn’t see any translucence.
Some common English makers of ironstone are Wedgwood, J&G Meakin, Wood & Sons, Birks Bros. & Seddon, T & R Boote, Turner & Tomkinson, Bishop & Powell, and Johnson Brothers. These makers are usually hallmarked on the underneath side of the piece. Some American makers are Red Cliff, Knowels, Taylor & Knowels, and W.A. Lewis.
If you’re not sure, flick the piece with your finger….ironstone should have a ringing sound.
I recently found a couple of small German condiment pots, and though they are made of porcelain, I think they look great displayed among the ironstone.
Here are some tips if you would like to start your own ironstone collection:
- Ironstone varies in prices so decide on a price point that you are comfortable spending. And if you’re on a budget, begin by collecting smaller pieces like creamers, small platters and bowls.
- Collect what speaks to you….some people collect certain pieces like tureens or sugar jars, others may only collect English ironstone, or ironstone by a certain maker. In the beginning of my collection, I bought anything I could find at a good price, but as the collection grew, I started curating it a bit more. Now I concentrate on English or French ironstone, especially those pieces with lion’s head handles or old advertising.
- Start small with one or two pieces, and slowly add to your collection. After all, the thrill of the hunt is part of the joy of collecting!
I would love to know if the beautiful Angel Statues on this post near the window are in fact antiques? I thought maybe you had antiqued the pieces??? Love your site!
Hi Denise! The angel statues are antique. The smaller one is made of concrete, and the larger one is solid marble.
So enjoyed going through your collection with you. You have some lovely pieces. Cherry
Great post! I love and sell ironstone in my antique shop. It is getting difficult to find at a good price. Thank you for all yours posts. Danielle
I don’t have any true ironstone but I have a collection of whitewear…….lots of pitchers, soup tureens and a few other items as well. I can find quite a lot of nice items in my area that give the look of ironstone. Often I will find some with pretty makers marks from Germany, Bavaria and the U.S. It’s an option if you want the look but can’t find the real thing. 🙂 Sadly since I started my collection we’ve moved 2 times and each time my available display space gets smaller. Still…. I am happy to have space for it!
Dear Cindy,
I have just started collecting ironstone and have found some amazing pieces here in Atlanta and have met some great people along the way! Your collection is amazing and I aspire to have one as dreamy as yours. This was a great article for me to learn more and also to inspire what I can do in other spaces! I am in LOVE with your hen tureen. Could you please provide some details on it? I have been on the hunt for one like it but coming up short everywhere! Lots of those milk ones but no ironstone. Thanks for the great article!!!
Hi Stefanie! Ironstone is so much fun to collect! The French rooster tureen was found at an estate sale many years ago. I have seen a couple of them since then, so keep looking and you may find one!
Dearest Cindy , I have ALWAYS wanted to have a collection of something,that really spoke to my heart.However, nothing ever came to mind.My husband and I moved to the country just last year,so I am still decorating our modern farmhouse style home.What a blessing it is,and it’s a dream come true.Less is more in this house, so I’m taking my time decorating it.Just last week I was reading an article on-line about Ironstone.I have never even heard of it before! I saw the most adorable pitcher and my heart skipped a beat then melted.I know that sounds funny…but I fell in love with it.Since last week I have been trying to educate myself about it.It’s so intriguing.I bought that pitcher,I can’t wait for it to get here.Ironstone really is so interesting to me.The antique pieces have had a former life.Each a different story…if they could talk…Wow.You have some lovely pieces.The creamy whites,the grayish blues,Amazing.Thank you for your article. Lisa G.
Sweet Cindy,
I am in awe of your willingness to leave your lovely home where u have renovated with excellence, to move close to your children and grandchildren. We moved away from ours in 2015 to come to the shores of S.C.
then two years ago my daughter gave birth to our second granddaughter Amelia. This was a surprise to all as her sister was ten when my daughter had Amelia. Since that time, even before, I realized we had made a huge mistake. I am now over 10 hours away from my 92 year old father in a nursing home and equally that far from my only brother and my precious nieces. Paradise here on Earth can only be found in my family. Therefore, u have given me courage to do what I’ve known I should have done 4 years ago: move back. God bless u sweet online friend.
Deborah Holmes
Oh, Deborah, you have made me cry with your sweet note. It’s so true, home is where your family is! We feel like we are missing out on so much, and nothing in this life matters except our loved ones. God bless you, Deborah, and I will keep you in my prayers as you start your new exciting chapter!
Most of my husband’s and my family are far away and with two military sons, they are always far away. Sad to be several-days-travel away from them all? Yes, but sometimes we don’t get to make those choices. We’ve surrounded ourselves with good friends who are somewhat of ‘surrogate family’ and when we get to see our children and grandchildren (usually only once a year), we really make the best of it.
Yes! Love collecting white ironstone. I have many, many pieces and don’t concentrate my search in any particular area, it is just whatever speaks to my heart when I see it. It is really fun when I see something that makes my heart leap! (although I do love a good, old, French tureen or casserole with lid!) You have a lovely collection and thanks for doing a post about it. I don’t believe I have ever seen a post on this before. And thanks for all the great info!
Happy collecting!
Cathy
I was given my first few pieces of ironstone 30 years ago by a dear family friend who has since passed away. They had been in her family for many years. I liked the way it looked in my kitchen and have slowly accumulated a small collection. Since it has gained popularity in recent years it is harder to find in my area and the prices have definitely gone up. Thank you for your tips on collecting ironstone and what to look for.
My pleasure, Sharon! It’s so much fun to search for and collect!
I love your collection and how it’s displayed. After finding my first piece of Ironstoneware at the Goodwill about 5 years ago( a Bishop and Powell vegetable tureen without the lid) I’ve been hooked on the simple beauty of these historic pieces. Not many pieces seem to make it to the Rocky Mt. area where I live, but my collection has grown to about 30 pieces. When we travel to the South to visit family I tell them I really do come to visit them, not just to every vintage shop on the way! Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful story, Terri! I love collecting ironstone and I agree, the simplicity of the pieces is the biggest reason I’m attracted to them. Thank you for commenting!
Beautiful collection! I love the peaceful elegance of your home. I especially love the angel with the beautiful rosary displayed on it. So many of these items are an uplifting witness to your faith.
I only have 4 pieces. I have a tureen with a lid but the bottom is darker? I bought it 15 yrs ago in Grand Rapids MI at a huge Antique shop. I just figured that was from oven use. It is a baking dish and top actually. Not sure how to clean the glaze to be creamy again? Any ideas.? I love you and your home.
Hi Jenny! Yes, I believe the browning is from heat, and I don’t think there is anything that can be done to remove it. So embrace the browning! It tells the tureen’s story! Thank you so much for your kind words!
Cindy~
Hope all is well with you. This month marks two years already that my sister went home to our Lord. I know we shared with each other about losing our dear sisters to soon !
I too love the little butter pat dishes, I have a few of those too. I was wondering about the silverware I see the handles sticking out , love those but can never find them !
Have a joyful weekend!
Paula
Oh, sweet Paula, it’s still hard, isn’t it? This time last year, we were just discovering my sister’s terminal diagnosis. We only had a couple of months left with her. Many days, I only have wonderful memories, and other days, I’m assaulted with missing her. I know you feel the same. Virtual hugs, dear friend.
The silverware is vintage bakelite. I don’t really use it, I just use it for display! I usually pick it up at flea markets or estate sales. Prices can vary and be all over the map, but I usually don’t pay a whole lot for it.
I love your ironstone Cindy! Collections really make a personal statement in a home, and it also makes antique hunting so much more fun!!
Thanks, Amy!
Wow Cindy! What a gorgeous collection. You Win!! LOL. Hugs, Pat
Thank you, Pat!
Love your collection and what a collection it is. Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing what to look for. =)
Cindy, I was surprised to hear you just started collecting ironstone so recently. I guess it goes to show it is never too late. On a personal note, I am curious to know if anyone close to you is interested in inheriting your collections. My children seem to have no interest in the things I have acquired, my collections will go on an estate sale, but if found by someone who admires an item, that is good. Also, perhaps some time you could share your knowledge on seltzer bottles, as I see a couple in one of your photographs. You have inspired me for about five years now. Your kitchen redo is still the bomb, but you are recreating the rest of your home to meet it’s standard. Have enjoyed every lovely post! Thank you for so generously sharing. Pam
Oh, Pam, you are so sweet with your kind words! Thank you so much! I’m not sure any of my children will be interested in inheriting a lot of my things, though I have one son that loves the old religious artifacts as much as I do, so I’m sure he will love them. But interests change as we age, so who knows, they may become a lover of all my antiques down the road! Honestly, I don’t know very much about seltzer bottles. I tend to collect them if I like the color (usually blue) and if the are French in origin. Those are a little hard to find, I guess that’s why I don’t have very many of them! Thanks so much for following along and commenting!
I really liked these pieces. Your collection is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy, Your collection is just lovely! Isn’t it wonderful how collecting something we love just makes us happy every time we see it? Hope the week ahead is full of joy!
You have a wonderful collection. I have a small collection of the mustard and marmalade jars. My mustard collection I found on Etsy from France.
I adore transferware a d started collecting pieces I love.
Cindy
How wonderful, Cindy! Thanks so much for commenting!
My luv for ironstone, and dishware on a whole started as a small child visiting my grandmother. My maternal grandmother was French nd her house to me was luvly! Homey nd perfect. The everyday dishes, bue willow ironstone. Sigh. We lived on the Same property, 2 separate houses and I spent most of my time with her. Her stories and songs… As an adult, I found myself recreating my grans home. And over the years have amassed quite a bit of Jonhson Bros. Meakin. Wedgwood. Knowles. Independence ironstone… It makes my heart sing to use them daily. Luv your big white collection.
What a wonderful memory, Gee! It makes your ironstone collection so much sweeter, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing!
I am not much of a collector because I am trying keep my home simple and uncluttered. However ironstone is something I’m definitely attracted too. I love the clean simplicity of white and have a lot of white in my home. You have a beautiful collection. Thank you for the tips on collecting ironstone.
Thanks for commenting, Gerri!
Love all your ironstone. It looks great with so many grouped together. I’ve been collecting a French line called Austier de Villatte. They are new pieces so I don’t get the thrill of the hunt, but it’s very special when I get a new piece to display. The only problem is that they are very expensive so my husband or son usually gives as a gift. Look them up I think you will like!
Thanks for the tip, Linda! I’m going to check them out!
Beautiful post! Was searching etsy and thought you’d be interested in this
Thanks, Maureen! I will check it out!
Hello Cindy….. just love following! So much inspiration….. how do you know it’s ironstone? Will there always be a marking?
Many times there will be a marking indicating that it’s ironstone. You can also tell by the weight of the piece, it is weighty like earthenware would be. Also, it will always be opaque. Under light, you shouldn’t see any translucence. Some common English makers of ironstone are Wedgwood, J&G Meakin, Wood & Sons, Birks Bros. & Seddon, T & R Boote, Turner & Tomkinson, Bishop & Powell, and Johnson Brothers. These makers are usually hallmarked on the underneath side of the piece. Some American makers are Red Cliff, Knowels, Taylor & Knowels, and W.A. Lewis. If you’re not sure, flick the piece with your finger….ironstone should have a ringing sound.
Thanks so much….. I’m going to start going to estate sales and I will make great use of all your info!
That’s wonderful, Ruth! Thank you so much for commenting!
I love your collection! I too am a lover of old ironstone. I had been collecting for many years before I even realized they were collectible! They make such a beautiful statement in any room and you cannot go wrong with a white piece of ironstone and pretty flowers. I love your advertising pieces. I haven’t found anything here in Michigan like that, but it won’t prevent me from hunting them down. Thank you for a great post!
Thank you so much for commenting, Lia!
You have a most beautiful collection that I have admired from afar!!! I must say that one of my fav pieces has to be the one of your grandmother’s as it is a most treasured family piece of wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous collection with us today!! Have a great week Cindy!
Thank you, Shirley! My grandmother’s tureen holds a special place in my heart, so much so, that I refuse to use it. I’m worried that it will get broken! Have a great week, friend!
I was gifted a set of ironstone dishes from my grandmother. I fell in love with ironstone before it was “cool”. It is one of my favorite things! You have a lovely collection!
How wonderful, Julie!
Thank you so much for this article! Not that I needed much encouragement to collect…. but!!! I think I will be more refined in my choices after reading this. It was so helpful. I so enjoyed it
Also, the Purple transferware….
Oh, yes, purple transferware…..I have such a weakness for it, and in our area, it’s very difficult to find. It’s a new collection for me and it’s growing rather slowly, but it’s fun to hunt for it!
My sister has a wonderful collection of Ironstone.
I recently started a collection of china called Golden Glow. Can’t remember the maker right now…but I love it!!! :o)
Thanks for commenting, Margie!
Cindy, a wonderful post with great information. My goodness, your collection is beautiful. I have a few ironstone pitchers, mainly to hold my peonies in the spring. My love has been teacups and saucers, old butter molds and blue crockery mixing bowls. I have to look the other way with the ironstone. I am out of room !
Have a great week !
Oh, I know, Sandra! There are so many things I would like to collect, but so far I’ve managed to refrain myself!
I’m really enjoying your blog! So glad you started after admiring your work and shop. You’re quite the inspiration !
Thank you so much, Ginger!
It is the one thing I search for before anything else at every brocante I visit, but it is becoming harder and harder to find. However, it’s timeless elegance and down to earth practicality means it will never go out of style. Your collection is absolutely fabulous.
Thank you so much, Susan! I love searching for the rarer pieces now, and you are so right, it is timeless. Thanks for commenting!