The Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) has been awarded an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) grant worth £119,970 for a 12 month project starting in February 2013 called 'Combining Digital Print Technologies with 18th Century Underglaze Ceramic Process'. Professor Stephen Hoskins and Dave Huson are collaborating with industry partner Burleigh Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent - the last remaining company to produce ceramic tableware decorated using the traditional printed underglaze tissue method. Underglaze tissue ceramic transfer printing was first developed in the mid-18th century and involved the use of engraved or etched metal plates, from which the tissue was printed with cobalt blue colour- the famous 'Willow Pattern' being a well-known example. Underglaze tissue has a very distinctive, subtle quality - it is an integral part of English ceramic history and cannot be replicated by any other means. This project builds upon previous AHRC funded research undertaken in 2000 in which Stephen researched the combination of the digital capabilities of flexographic printing technology and the earliest printing processes first developed for the ceramic industry in the 1780s. In this new project the team will work with Burleigh to consolidate a commercial future and retain the unique skill-base for this historic, very English process whose development is part of a unique English form and thus of our cultural heritage. Linsay Proctor has been appointed to work on this exciting project and we welcome her to the CFPR team.
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