Clews: Historical Blue Staffordshire Pottery
Clews pottery was produced by James and Ralph Clews at the Cobridge Works in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, from approximately 1818 to 1834. The firm is best known for its dark blue transfer-printed earthenware depicting American scenes, which were manufactured specifically for the lucrative American export market. Clews pieces featuring views of American cities, landmarks, and historical events are among the most prized examples of Historical Staffordshire and command premium prices from collectors of early American ceramics.
History and Production
- James Clews acquired the Cobridge Works from Andrew Stevenson around 1818
- The pottery operated as "James & Ralph Clews" and later "James Clews"
- Peak production of American-view pieces occurred in the 1820s-1830s
- The factory closed around 1834 when James Clews emigrated to America and briefly operated the Indiana Pottery Company in Troy, Indiana (1837-1838), which failed
- Clews also produced "Dr. Syntax" series, "Don Quixote" series, and "Pictures of Sir David Wilkie" patterns
Key Patterns and Series
- Landing of General Lafayette (at Castle Garden, 1824): One of the most famous American historical views
- States Series: Individual plates depicting state arms and borders with stars and flowers
- Picturesque Views: American landscapes and buildings
- Dr. Syntax: Humorous series based on William Combe's illustrated books
- Don Quixote: Literary scenes in dark blue
- Zoological Series: Animal subjects in lighter transfer colors (introduced later)
Identification and Marks
- Impressed "CLEWS" or printed marks including the pattern name
- American view pieces typically have a printed cartouche identifying the scene
- Most desirable pieces are in dark cobalt blue; later production included lighter blue, black, red, green, and brown transfers
- The "States" border pattern features alternating stars and state names
- Plate and platter shapes follow standard Staffordshire forms of the period
Auction Price Ranges
| Pattern | Form | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Landing of Lafayette | Large platter | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| States series plate | 10-inch dinner | $400 - $2,000 |
| American view platter | Dark blue, 14-18 inch | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| Dr. Syntax plate | 10-inch, dark blue | $200 - $800 |
| Don Quixote plate | Dark blue | $150 - $600 |
| American view soup plate | Dark blue | $300 - $1,200 |
| Zoological series | Lighter colors | $100 - $400 |
Condition Factors
- Transfer clarity: Sharp, well-defined transfer prints are essential; blurred or smeared transfers reduce desirability
- Color depth: Deep, rich cobalt blue commands the highest prices; faded or light blue transfers bring less
- Crazing and staining: Most pieces show some crazing; brown staining in the craze lines (from use) diminishes value
- Chips and repairs: Rim chips are common and costly to value; professional restoration should be disclosed
- Knife marks: Dinner plates with heavy knife scoring on the surface are less desirable
Collecting Tips
- American views in dark blue are the primary collecting focus; the same scene in a lighter color brings a fraction of the dark blue price
- Platters are the most impressive display pieces and bring the strongest prices, especially in large sizes (16-20 inches)
- Condition is paramount in Historical Staffordshire -- a perfect example brings multiples over a damaged one
- Provenance from early American collections adds value and confidence in authenticity
- Compare carefully to other Staffordshire makers (Enoch Wood, Stevenson, Adams) who produced similar American views; marks and border patterns distinguish makers
- Arman's reference "Historical Staffordshire" and Larsen's "American Historical Views on Staffordshire China" are essential identification tools