There’s a new collection in the house….purple transferware!
I have been a collector since I was a child, when my first collections were interesting shaped rocks, pretty feathers, and foreign stamps.
Of course, as I grew into adulthood, my collections evolved as my interests changed.
Sometimes I will collect certain pieces for a long time, and then my tastes might change, or I will see something that piques my interest, and a new collection will be born.
Such is the case with my latest obsession for purple transferware.
For several years, I have collected white English ironstone. My love for white ironstone began when I was given an old sauce tureen with underplate that once belonged to my grandmother. I collected it here and there, slowly adding to my collection, and now I have an entire china cabinet filled, as well as large displays on open shelving in the kitchen. I love the visual impact of all the white dishes when displayed together, but I’ve been thinking about adding a bit of color.
For years, I’ve been smitten with English transferware, in it’s myriad of beautiful colors, but none have ever piqued my interest enough to start collecting it…..until now.
A sweet blog friend of mine, Amy of the fabulous blog Maison Decor, has a stunning collection of purple transferware, and every time Amy would post photos of these amazing dishes, I would drool over how pretty they were. (I’m blaming this obsession on you, Amy!)
via Maison Decor Blog
I kept thinking to myself that if I were to ever start collecting any of the English transferware, the purple would definitely be my choice.
via Aiken House and Gardens
Each time we would go antiquing, I would always keep an eye out for these gorgeous lavender dishes, but I never saw any.
Apparently this particular transferware color is very hard to find in my area.
via Vibeke Design
A few months ago, while attending an auction, I was so excited to see that there were a couple of purple transferware pieces coming up for bid, and I decided that I was going to try and win them.
I was quite pleased when they went for a reasonable price and I ended up being the winning bidder!
One of the pieces that I was able to acquire is this lovely antique teapot.
It’s not in the best shape and shows much of it’s century old age, but for me, it doesn’t detract, only adds to it’s story, especially since it will be used for display only.
The interesting hallmarks on these old pieces always fascinate me, and makes perfect starting point to research the history on the different patterns.
At the same auction, I was able to win this beautiful vegetable bowl as well. And just like that, my collection of purple transferware had begun!
As I was bidding on these pieces, hubby looked at me and said, “Why are you bidding on those dishes?”.
“I’m collecting it””, I said.
“You are? Since when?”
“Um…..now!”
I think there was an eyeroll in his response, but I’m not sure…….I was too busy bidding!
I’m in love with this pastoral scene with the cows…..hmm…maybe I can find some pieces with sheep in them!
A few weeks after the auction, we were in Florida to see my son and we were out hitting the local antique shops when I ran across these two sweet little bowls.
They are such an unusual shape and I love that they are so old with wonderful crazing on the surface. They were only $8.00 each, which was a great price!
They also have a cute scene with cows!
I’ve since added a few more pieces, a couple of small salad plates, and two more bowls.
I’m finding that purple transferware is very hard to find in my area, and when I do find it, the prices are insane. So it may be awhile before I have a cabinet full of these purple beauties.
However, I’ve found a fabulous online shop, Nancy’s Daily Dish, that sells the largest collection of English transferware that I’ve ever seen, so my wallet may be in trouble!
As the old saying goes, part of the joy of collecting is the hunt!
Are you a collector? What’s your favorite thing to collect?
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On a personal note: We’re still working on the living room and study renovations. I’ll be posting a progress post on the living room soon. I haven’t shown any updates on the study because I don’t want to give away one of the big changes in there. Things have been a bit hectic around here at the moment, so we aren’t progressing as fast as I would like. I know many of you are anxious to see the changes in the study, and I hope you will be patient a bit longer!
My son that lives in Florida recently accepted a new job, moving farther South, closer to the Miami area, so we are dog sitting our 95 lb grand dog for the next couple of months until he gets transitioned to his new home. We drove to Central Florida to pick up Zoe and bring her back home with us and RubyLou has been thrilled to have someone to play with. This unexpected trip put a stop to the renovations for a week, and since being back, it’s taken another week to get caught up and back into a routine, so I’m hoping to get more work done in the study this weekend. It’s so close to being finished, I just have to find the time to pull it all together.
Again, I want to thank you for all of the comments, thoughts, and prayers for my sister and our family. I can’t tell you how much that means to all of us. As we navigate this difficult time, we are spending as much time as possible with her, telling stories, reminiscing about the past, sharing laughter, and loving her as much as we can. Hospice has been a wonderful support system during this time. Please keep the prayers coming, we are so incredibly grateful for them.
Blessings,
Cindy
I collected purple while married. I have an exceptional piece of transfer ware that i am interested in selling now that I am divorced. I would love to send pictures to anyone who would appreciate it. Please contact me kristiachat@aol.com
I, too, am purple transferware obsessed. I’ve been collecting for many years but don’t have a huge collection because it’s so hard to find. I love displaying it and even more I love using it. Thanks for sharing your story.
Beautiful! I love these old patterns of china no matter their colors. Your are so adorable
Love purple transfer ware…even though I don’t consider myself a purple person. It isn’t solely your area that has a limited supply of that particular color way of transfer ware. I personally, rarely see even a one random piece and only once did I see about 30 pcs together in an antique shop, but as you stated very pricey. Have fun with your new collection. I love the hunt when trying to find pieces to add to a collection, the rarity of an item only adds to the enjoyment when you find the one or two pieces with a great price.
Thank you for the update on your family. Continuing in prayer.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. Your kindness and prayers mean so much to all of us.
I became smitten with plum or purple, whichever you prefer, about 15 years ago when I saw a fall table setting in a Southern Living book.
It is so hard to find!!!!! I have a few pieces but I NEED more!
Lisa, it’s so hard to find in my area, but that’s part of the fun in collecting….the hunt! While out antiquing yesterday, I actually found a Wedgwood purple transferware tureen for only $10.00!
Oh Cindy
So glad you discovered adjectives! You must check out mt dora Renigers,they have extravaganzas 3 times a year. Nov,Jan and Feb our weather is usually beautiful and there are gillions of sellers. Treat yourself and go on Friday,it’s extra money to get in but worth it! Friday has lots of dealers buying,but there is something about the spirit in the air…everyone is looking for that special something! If the sale falls on Martin Luther King Jr Birthday holiday weekend,there tends to be even more dealers because most people have a 3 day weekend. Of course if you are going to stay in Mt Dora book a room early because they sell out fast! Best of luck with South Florida traffic,we have family down there and it is a nightmare,just know it going in put on some good music and dive in! Continued prayers for your sister.
Thanks Vicki!
I’ve being thinking about you and wandering how your sister was doing… I’m so sorry you are going thru this painful time… it’s nice though to have the time to spend together sharing memories and love.. I lost my mother in law this past summer… I only had three weeks from when she was diagnosed until she passed and I will forever be grateful to God to give us those weeks to say our good byes and to tell each other how much we loved each other… I know how hard and painful it is…
I LOVE your new purple transferware collection!! It’s gorgeous!! I’ve being collecting ironstone for a few years… it might be time to start a new collection!! You inspired me to take a trip to my local antique mall today!! I haven’t been there in a while and today I’m feeling something special is waiting there for me!!!
Have a lovely day!!
Awesome Cristina! I hope you find some treasure today! Thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much to us. I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet mother in law. It’s so important to tell those we love how precious they are to us, while we have the opportunity. Blessings to you dear friend!
Cindy, I could have written that first paragraph about myself, in fact I did recently write something very similar in a recent post for Ron’s Happiness Series. I was born a collector, and like you have many different collections. It makes life interesting and fun, don’t you think.
You and your family are in my thoughts. Continued prayers for your sister.
Thank you, Sarah!
Hi Cindy: Welcome to the allure of Purple Transferware!! I can tell you as a very long-time collector it is very hard to find but that’s part of the mystique. When you find a piece, your heart leaps for joy until you check the price…. and sometimes, it’s a super good deal and that’s a happy day! Many years ago while antiquing, I walked into an antique store and there on a gorgeous dining table was a set of 9 purple transferware plates in the Royal Staffordshire, “Charlotte” pattern. Only a couple had minor chips on the edge that didn’t show from the top and no crazing. I left without buying even though if I recall, they were less than $200. That evening I shared this with my two daughters who were as excited as I was to locate so many pieces in one setting. They secretly phoned the store the next day and surprised me with these for my birthday which was a few weeks away. I found a “Mason’s” teapot in mid-90’s in mint condition and it was $104, so I realized what a great deal I had found on the dinnerware. FYI: Several years ago “Two’s Company” sold purple transferware “reproduction” pieces and I bought a lot of large platters, etc. of that at the time. I’m not sure if they still produce that but it is very pretty too; however, the antique is the collector’s true treasure!! By the way: I have the small platter by Johnson Bros (Old British Castles) that matches your veggie bowl…… love it!! On a serious note: Keeping you and your precious family in my prayers during this very difficult time. May God Bless!!!
Barbara, like you, I am completely smitten with this color of transferware! It being hard to come by, just makes the “hunt” that more fun! What a wonderful, loving, surprise for your daughters to gift you with the set of plates! That makes them even more special! I would love to see how you have all of your purple transferware displayed! Thank you so much for your kind works and prayers for my precious sister and our family. Words can’t express how much that means to us.
Love your collection. I have also long admired purple transferware. However, I have tried to stay away from it for fear of another collection. I believe I was born with a china gene. Several members of my immediate family have the gene – it is nice to know others do also.
I especially love your teapot – don’t you know it has stories to share. Enjoy your lovely pieces and stay on the hunt. The hunt is the fun for me and the memories it makes.
Thank you Sandra!
Hi Cindy! What a pretty collection you have. I think my favorite pieces are the old teapot and the bowl with the cows. Good thing the auctioneer didn’t mistake hubby’s eye rolling for a bid! Sending you warm hugs and good thoughts, Pat
Thank you so much, Pat!
Cindy, I will continue to keep your sister, you and your family in my prayers. Your new start to your purple collection is beautiful! You found some great pieces. I love the tea pot. The bowls are so lovely as they have that unusual shape. Looking forward to seeing your projects!!!
Thank you, Pinky! Your continued prayers mean so much to us, we are so grateful for them. {{Hugs}}
Hi Cindy, I myself have been dealing with a sick relative, and it’s very sad and stressful….I’ll keep your dear Sis in my prayers along with my sis in law! Faith is all we have to go on and I’ll keep praying…..well sweetie I’m soooo looking forward to seeing all your renovation adventures…..always full of beauty….
Sending healing prayers to your dear Sis….
Hugs~
Mari
Thank you so much, Mari. Keeping you and yours in my prayers as well. Hugs!
~Cindy~
I was thinking about you just the other day, and your sister, for I know what you are facing. Please remember during this holy season of Easter and everyday after, that because “He Lives” we can face tomorrow.
Prayers ,
Paula , IN.
p.s. love the pretty dishes
Thank you, Paula, for this wonderful reminder.
Cindy,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have sickness in my family,the heartbreak is indescribable. Love the dishes,will look for them in my area for you. Looking forward to seeing your study.
I’m so sorry that you are going through illness in your family, Sue. You are right, the heartbreak is indescribable and devastating. I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you and your family.
I have been following you for a while on Instagram and I love your style. I’ve been collecting red transferware since college (early 90s). I started with Currier & Ives and have branched out to different patterns since then. I have a few green pieces, black pieces and some multicolors. Last fall While shopping with my mom and one of my sister’s, we found some brown with colors. So I decided I wanted some for fall dinners. I just picked up 3 of different patterns. So I now have a new collection. I too discoved Nancy on Pinterest. She is great! I’ve limited myself now to just red pieces I find at thrift shops. I bought a pretty $2 bowl at our local trade days. If I find any purple, I’ll snag it and let you know! Happy collecting!
Thank you Linda! I have seen the brown transferware with colors, it’s very rare to find! It sounds like you have an amazing collection!
Oh, Cindy,
Now you have made me want these purple dishes! As a little girl growing up my grandmother had pink (red) transferware dishes. When she passed away, the dishes went to an aunt. I loved them so much and many years later I was lucky enough to be gifted a set by a neighbor who was moving. Then…..I came across some in the brown with colorful touches, and filled a plate rack in my dining room. I also have a set of blue Currier and Ives we use as our regular dishes . Recently I had a purple plate and sold it…lol…now I wish I had kept it. I’m just a sucker for a pretty dish. Thanks for sharing your “collection”, and here’s hoping we both enjoy our weaknesses for a long time to come. They are one of lifes little pleasures.
Thoughts are with your family in this difficult time.
Thank you Karen!
HI Cindy, Your pieces and pictures are gorgeous! I’ve been a collector since I was a child as well and started collecting transferware in my 20’s, before I even knew what it was. Purple, brown, and red are what I collect the most of but I have a bit of it all. Those Rural Scenes bowls you found are super hard to find so hang on to them. That’s one of my favorite patterns and I know Amy has quite a bit of it as well. She’s bought a lot from me over the past few years.
Thank you so much for your beautiful post and for mentioning my shop! Your blog is beautiful!!
Nancy
Thank you Nancy! I’m sure I’m going to be doing some shopping on your site very soon! I love Amy’s collection…I’m blaming her for this new obsession! 🙂 I was so surprised when I found the little bowls, they were on a bottom shelf, completely hidden, and I was so excited when I saw the price. They are so unusual!
Hi Cindy,
I’ve been collecting the red transfer ware for quite a few years – so long that I’ve had to stop because I have no where to put them anymore. In all my years of looking I have to say I haven’t seen any purple. Ironstone is my focus now but it too has begun to take up too much space. I’m intruigued with flow blue.. but it’s pretty pricey and have no idea how I would incorporate it with the red.
But yep.. the fun is in the hunt as you said. Good luck with your search.
Thank you Mary! It sounds like you have quite a collection! The flow blue would be gorgeous mixed with your white ironstone!
Cindy,
Your new collection of old purple transferware is beautiful. It being hard to find just creates more to the hunt, I say. I have collected ‘Blue and White’ Staffordshire (platters mostly) for over 30 years. I know I started with the bug right out of college. I got really smitten though during the ’90’s when it was in style to use as wall decor. My husband halted such when there were no more places to display it! Transferware seems to be a rare find around Dallas now, and when it is, the price tag is prohibitive. When it shows up at estate sales, the dealers have already scooped it up.
I continue to pray for your family during these difficult days for you all.
Thank you Wrenda, the prayers and caring thoughts mean so much to us.
The teapot is my favorite! Sending prayers your way.
Thank you Julie!
very nice, I have never seen purple transferware.
Diane, it is pretty rare in my area. I don’t see much of it, so this collection may take awhile! 🙂
Well this is fabulous news, we now have one more thing in common!! It will find you I swear, now that you are collecting!
Amy, you are an inspiration, and you’re right, purple transferware found me this morning! 🙂
Hugs and prayers, hugs and prayers and more hugs and prayers!
Thank you Diane! We are so grateful for all of the prayers!
~ Cindy ~
All I can say is GORGEOUS!!
Lavender, Purple always a favorite of mine!
Thanks Jacklyn!
First of all, I continue to pray for your sister and your family. Can’t imagine how so very difficult it is for you and your family. Yes, Amy is amazing and so is her beautiful collection…..I LOVE her purple transferware and I find it difficult to find too in the shops that I frequent. Such a beautiful color and what a find with those two bowls….I find it hard to go antiquing in Florida when I visit, as my time is pretty much spent with my family. (Which shop do you prefer in Florida?) I too have been quite a collector at a very early age. I have been away for 3 weeks and yes, it takes a week to get back into the groove…..Good luck to your son in his new job. I had worked in Miami making the drive from Broward County to Miami-Dade for over 20 years. I wish him much success in his new adventure! Looking forward to your updates on your projects!
Shirley, my son has lived in Ocala for several years and we usually try to go to Ocala Estates and Antiques, and Wildwood. It’s pretty much hit or miss, but every once in awhile we will find fabulous treasure so we keep going back. There’s a few more there, but I rarely go to them because I never find anything. The Red Barn is fun to visit to see some really unusual pieces, but their prices are off the charts. If we have time during our visit, we always try and drive over to Altamonte Springs and Winter Park to visit Adjectives Market. It looks like we will be driving farther South now for our visits so we’ll have to scope out some new places….but I’m dreading the traffic! We’re hoping he will find a place to live in Pembroke Pines area. Thank you for the continued prayers, they are keeping us going. Hugs!
Small world!! I live in Ocala ☺ We like to visit Mount Dora and Reniggers . They have quite a big area and lots of dealers. The prices are pretty reasonable. Plus a few smaller shops locally like Legends and my favourite one downtown, Tumbleweed.
LUV your collection of purple. I have brown and blue and white ☺
Hugs ladies.
Gee
Oh my goodness, Gee, we have talked about checking out Reniggers so many times and just haven’t made it over to Mount Dora. Even though my son is moving farther South, we may have to still come through Ocala to check out some of my favorite spots. One of my favorite French restaurants, La Cuisine is in Ocala!
OMGoodness, my sister lives in Altamonte Springs! Next time I see her, I will have to check out Adjectives Market!
Yes, definitely check out Adjectives Market! It’s one of my favorite places in that area!
Continued prayers for your sister and all of you. Love the purple transferware. Maybe add some old purple glass bottles (also hard to find) to fill in spaces. Looking forward to your future posts. Family first.
Thank you so much Debbie! I love the idea of the old purple glass bottles, and yes, they are very hard to find as well. I may also add some of the old purple depression glassware…..if I can find it! 🙂
Coincidentally I too have found the love of transferware. I don’t have a place to display them so I am being very selective of the pieces I collect. Thank you for sharing your resources, I will keep an eye out.
Thanks for commenting Paula!
Uh, oh, a new collection. 🙂 Yes, I believe the purple is hard to come by because I don’t ever see it around here either. Amy has a great collection and I have shopped with Nancy a few times. Happy hunting!
Thanks Kim!
Love your new collection. Continued prayers for your sister and for the support system that she has.
Thank you Patti! I can’t tell you how much all of the prayers mean to us. Blessings!