Davenport: English Pottery and Porcelain from Longport
Davenport refers to ceramics produced by the Davenport factory in Longport, Staffordshire, England, operating from 1794 to 1887. Founded by John Davenport, the factory produced a wide range of high-quality earthenware, stone china, and porcelain, including transfer-printed wares, hand-painted dessert services, and ornamental pieces. The Davenport name is also associated with a distinctive form of small writing desk, though the ceramics and furniture are unrelated.
History and Development
- 1794: John Davenport establishes a pottery at Longport, Staffordshire
- 1801-1820s: Production of fine quality creamware and blue transfer-printed earthenware
- 1820s: Porcelain production begins alongside earthenware
- 1830s-1860s: Peak period; elaborate dessert services, ornamental vases, and stone china tableware
- 1881: Factory begins decline; quality production decreases
- 1887: Factory closes after nearly a century of operation
Identification and Marks
- Early earthenware: "DAVENPORT" impressed in lowercase, often with an anchor mark
- Later marks: "DAVENPORT" with an anchor and date numerals (last two digits of the year)
- Porcelain marks include painted or printed "DAVENPORT" with pattern numbers
- The anchor mark is the most consistent identifier across all periods
- Stone china is marked "DAVENPORT STONE CHINA" with the anchor
- Date codes (two-digit numbers flanking the anchor) allow precise dating of many pieces
Types of Production
- Blue transfer-printed earthenware: Scenic patterns for the domestic and American markets
- Stone china: Dense, durable body decorated with imari, chinoiserie, and floral patterns
- Porcelain dessert services: Elaborately painted fruit, floral, and landscape centers with gilt borders
- Ornamental porcelain: Vases, potpourri jars, and decorative plaques
- Creamware and pearlware: Early production including plates, jugs, and serving pieces
- Ironstone: Heavy-duty tableware for everyday use
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Blue transfer plate | $30 - $100 | Rare patterns: $150 - $400 |
| Stone china plate (imari) | $40 - $120 | Complete service: $500 - $2,000 |
| Porcelain dessert plate (painted) | $50 - $200 | Artist-signed: $250 - $600 |
| Dessert service (partial) | $300 - $1,000 | Complete set: $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Ornamental vase | $200 - $800 | Large, elaborate: $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Porcelain potpourri jar | $150 - $500 | With cover: $600 - $1,500 |
| Early creamware piece | $60 - $200 | Dated or unusual: $300 - $800 |
Condition Factors
- Transfer-printed earthenware should have crisp, unfaded prints; worn transfers reduce value significantly
- Porcelain should be free of chips and cracks; the thin, translucent body is vulnerable to damage
- Gilt borders should be intact; worn gilding is the most common condition issue on dessert services
- Stone china is durable but can show staining from use; crazing is common and generally tolerated
- Restored pieces should be identified with UV light; professional restoration is common on valuable items
Collecting Tips
- Davenport porcelain dessert services with finely painted fruit or landscape centers represent the finest production and command strong prices
- Blue transfer-printed wares are popular with Staffordshire collectors and offer good value
- Stone china in imari patterns appeals to both Davenport collectors and Japanese-style ceramics enthusiasts
- The anchor mark with date codes allows precise dating, which is unusual among Staffordshire factories and adds scholarly interest
- Davenport quality is comparable to Derby, Coalport, and Minton, but generally trades at lower prices, making it an opportunity for discerning collectors
- Early creamware and pearlware pieces from before 1820 are scarce and underappreciated