Thursday, April 22, 2021

That Beautiful Tough Old Ironstone

I can only think of one word to describe old English ironstone and that is classic!  Most of it was made in the United Kingdom during the early to mid-1800’s.  Ironstone is actually glaze covered earthenware.  At that time, it would have been ironstone transferware that was popular first.  You know, the ones with the beautiful little floral patterns decorating the piece.  Somewhere along the way, the American market caught on to ironstone as it was so much cheaper than porcelain.  The American market wanted the undecorated pieces, thus we have the classic solid white pieces that are so loved today.  Most of the vintage ironstone you see was made in England, France or the United States.  The pieces you find today most likely have little chips, hairline cracks or crazing (crazing is the darkened areas where oils and other fluids have seeped in through the glaze).  I think those imperfections speak to a life of being well used and loved so, to me, it just adds interest.  Gather a collection of pieces to sit on a shelf or in a hutch.  They display well with clusters of two or three pieces!  Be sure to stop by South End Antique Mall and check out our selection of white ironstone as well as some beautiful antique ironstone transferware!

This is an example of transferware


Collect ironstone in tureens, pitchers, bowls and plates
for a balanced display




This is an example of ironstone that has crazed.
Note the brownish tint at the top.




Friday, April 2, 2021

Spring in Aurora

Oh the colors of Spring!  I am so ready for the bulbs and trees to flower.  You can bring the beautiful pastels of Spring into your home with vintage pottery and china.  Easter is this Sunday and you can start your Spring decor with some of the vintage and contemporary Easter decor that you will find at South End Antique Mall!   Our resident horse is all decked out in his best bunny attire!  Aurora will be "Hopping" (I know, a terrible pun) this weekend.  Follow the "Bunny Trail" to participating vendors all through town from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  I hear you can even meet "Daisy Bunny" at Three Daisies Vintage. Be sure to stop by South End Antique Mall and downton Aurora for a taste of Spring!