John's Pot Lid & Jar Gallery

By John Foumakis

Collecting British Pratt Jars, Pot Lids & Ware

In 1835, George Baxter's invention of a polychrome printing process revolutionized color printing on paper. This technique, which used up to 20 engraved plates to break down an image into its color components, led to the development of color printing on ceramics around 1845. F & R Pratt and Co. of Stoke-on-Trent, under Felix Edwards Pratt and engraver Jesse Austin, capitalized on this process to create vibrant polychrome ceramic wares.

Austin's method involved creating copper plates for each color in a design—often three or four plates—by dissecting the image into its corresponding colors. The plates would be engraved over months, and the resulting colors were transferred onto the raw ceramic using tissue and then fired. A second firing was used for additional gold detailing.

Collectors today value Pratt items with strong, well-registered colors, as early examples often show the highest quality. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of production and the advent of cheaper methods, the use of engraved plates lasted only from about 1845 to 1880. Approximately 450 designs are known, with some reissued up until 1963, though these later versions are distinguishable by their colors and texture.

Polychrome pot lids, while functional, have become an art form, capturing moments of Victorian life and providing insight into the era. Other manufacturers, like T.J. & J. Mayer, J. Ridgeway, and Bates Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co., also produced polychrome wares, including tea sets, tobacco jars, and advertising plaques, many of which share designs with Pratt’s pot lids.

Many pot lids were produced for advertising purposes, with companies like Crosse & Blackwell, John Gosnell, and even Jules Hauel commissioning Pratt of Fenton to create decorative lids for their products. These lids often featured scenes that hinted at their contents, such as bears, which likely signified Bear's Grease—a versatile product used in cooking, skincare, and more. Some lids were discarded, but collectors have unearthed valuable finds, like a set of bear-themed lids discarded in a Victorian septic hole, now worth a fortune.

Other lids are less obvious in their meanings, with some winter or ice-skating scenes likely advertising cold cream. Many pot lids also depicted exhibition buildings, celebrating the successes of manufacturers at events like the Great Exhibition of 1851. Due to their decorative nature, pot lids were often framed in ebonized frames, helping preserve them and reduce damage. As a result, advertising pot lids are rare and highly valuable, with some reaching premium prices at auction.

While polychrome ware was initially seen as utilitarian, it has gained recognition as a significant art form. Early books like Howard G. Clarke's catalogued these wares, and later works, such as Abe Ball’s Price Guide to Pot Lids, helped cement their place in the collecting world. More recent publications, like Professor Keith Mortimer's comprehensive guide, provide updated information on rarity and pricing.

My interest in polychrome Staffordshire pot lids stems from today’s disposable culture, where mass-produced packaging contrasts sharply with the careful artistry of these Victorian items. Many lids were kept as mementos, often framed and displayed, and their durability and decorative appeal continue to attract collectors. Some common pot lids are affordable, while rarer examples with strong colors and no damage can command high prices. For new collectors, it's wise to focus on quality, as lids with original pots or special decorations can further increase their value.

LINKS:  If you have any WARE that you wish to indentify or even appraised, please click the link here to be directed to David & Helen's Prattware Pottery Site