Transfer printing evolved in England in the 1750s. The image is first engraved on a copper plate, and then different ink colours added - often mixed with oil and heated to allow the colour to run deeper in to the engravings. Then it is transferred to a special paper and placed on the ceramic. This is known as the 'bat' and gives the process its alternative name: 'bat printing'. This is then placed on the ceramic object in its unglazed state after its initial firing to transfer the image to the object; the object is then glazed and fired again to make the image permanent. Seeing as there are a great number of steps to be taken, transfer printing is the most expensive and time connsuming.
Transfer printing evolved in England in the 1750s. The image is first engraved on a copper plate, and then different ink colours added - often mixed with oil and heated to allow the colour to run deeper in to the engravings. Then it is transferred to a special paper and placed on the ceramic. This is known as the 'bat' and gives the process its alternative name: 'bat printing'. This is then placed on the ceramic object in its unglazed state after its initial firing to transfer the image to the object; the object is then glazed and fired again to make the image permanent. Seeing as there are a great number of steps to be taken, transfer printing is the most expensive and time connsuming. Prior to the invention of transfer printing, images could only be placed on ceramic objects by hand-painting in enamels; its invention was therefore a major step in the production of decorative ceramic wares for the mass market. It is believed that it was developed by John Sadler and Guy Green. However the improvements made by Wedgwood are generally credited for the widespread popularity the method enjoyed during the next hundred years.