Shape & Pattern Books
Pattern and shape books can be found in many forms. Original volumes, facsimile copies, reprinted pages, and reconstructions. All are helpful to ceramic enthusiasts. The list available here is a work in progress, and we hope to update it regularly. Let us know if you know of other examples of shape and pattern books. All comments welcome.
Original volumes
Some long-lived factories like Wedgwood many have many surviving original pattern and shape books. However, we more frequently find single volumes like the Machin & Potts example which is likely to be the lone surviving example from that pottery. Occasionally images of these can be found on the internet.
Facsimiles
A number of shape books have been printed copying the original volume as closely as possible. Both the images and the explanation of the plates can be helpful
The Whitehead catalogue published by the NCS is a good example
Reprints
Occasionally authors include reprints of pages from pattern and shape books in their text. Even a few pages from the originals can be helpful to researchers. One of the largest reprints of shape and pattern books may be found in in John Griffin’s 2 volume The Leeds Pottery1770-1881.
Reconstructions
Collectors and researchers working on particular factories occasionally assemble galleries of ware from their favourite factory and publish them in pattern number order illustrating both designs and shapes. Some are published in hard copy, others are made available on the internet.
