Flow Blue

Flow blue (sometimes also known as ‘flown blue’) was a type of transfer pottery produced from the 1820s onwards by potters in Staffordshire, England. It was a technique used on white earthenware or sometimes porcelain. It was similar to traditional blue and white pottery, but the blue colour was deliberately blurred during glazing. English manufacturers using the style included Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Minton and Johnson Brothers.

The patterns used for the technique ranged from Idris to Blue Danube to the classic Willow pattern. Items produced included teapots, vases, plates, platters garden seats, dog bowls and toilet wares.

A range of blues were used – from grey-blue to a much darker inky blue, but the most sought after is the vivid cobalt blue variety. A more purple-hue flow blue is Mulberry.