STAFFORDSHIRE Flow Blue Teapot of Parliament Judge (1980)

This Staffordshire Flow Blue Teapot of Parliament Judge, 1980, is a whimsical reminder of a time and place long gone... We believe it was created as part of a series of Staffordshire favorites in celebration of the many centuries of fine porcelain and pottery craft in England.

From Wikipedia: "...Hundreds of companies (in the Staffordshire region, West Midlands) produced all kinds of pottery, from tablewares and decorative pieces to industrial items. The main pottery types of earthenware, stoneware and porcelain were all made in large quantities, and the Staffordshire industry was a major innovator in developing new varieties of ceramic bodies such as bone china and jasperware, as well as pioneering transfer printing and other glazing and decorating techniques. In general Staffordshire was strongest in the middle and low price ranges, though the finest and most expensive types of wares were also made.

By the late 18th century North Staffordshire was the largest producer of ceramics in Britain, despite significant centers elsewhere. Large export markets took Staffordshire pottery around the world, especially in the 19th century. Production began to decline in the late 19th century, as other countries developed their industries. After World War II it declined steeply. Production continues in the area, but at a fraction of the levels at the peak of the industry.

Flow blue (occasionally 'flown blue') is a style of white earthenware, sometimes porcelain, that originated in the Regency era, sometime in the 1820s, among the Staffordshire potters of England. The name is derived from the blue glaze that blurred or "flowed" during the firing process.[1]

Most flow blue ware is a kind of transferware, where the decorative patterns were applied with a paper stencil to often white-glazed blanks, or standard pottery shapes, though some wares were hand painted. The stencils burned away in the kiln. The blue glazes used in flow blue range from gray-blue to sometimes greenish blue, to an inky blue; however the most desirable and sought-after shade is a vivid cobalt blue. Mulberry is another form of flow blue, where the glaze is more purple in hue.

This teapot has a personality of its own. It is judgmental and comic at the same time. It should grace a well-stocked kitchen or a parlor or entertainment area in you own home.