Johnson Bros China

Joe Rosson: 'Flow Blue' plates no longer red-hot with collectors

Dear Mr. Rosson: This is a picture of a dinner plate owned by my elderly mother. It was made in England by Johnson Brothers and is in their "Kenworth Flow Blue" pattern. I have found two serving pieces priced at $199.95 each, but not the value of the plate. Can you help?

Sincerely,L.W.Dear L.W.:I think I can, but the news is not good. Flow blue is one of those antiques categories that was once very expensive and highly sought after by large numbers of collectors. Today, however, the interest in flow blue has lessened along with the value.

There actually was a set of Johnson brothers, and their names were Alfred, Frederick, Henry and Robert. Their grandfather was Alfred Meakin, who opened up a very successful pottery making facility in Tunstall, Staffordshire, England, in 1875, and it is said that he influenced the boys to follow in his footsteps.

The Johnson brothers began by purchasing the defunct Charles Street Works in Hanley, Staffordshire. They began producing white graniteware is 1883, and were so successful that they quickly expanded by purchasing other facilities.

Around 1888, Johnson Brothers broadened their lines and began making semi-porcelain wares, which more closely resembled fine china (but is not because fine china is porcelain and semi-porcelain is just upgraded earthenware). I will not belabor Johnson Brothers' history, but I will say that they were hugely successful — particularly in the American market.

Huge quantities of their wares can be found on these shores, but sadly, production of Johnson Brothers' products ceased in England in 2003, and moved to China. Two of their most famous patterns are "Historic America" and "Old Britain Castles," but their flow blue "Kenworth" pattern is — in my opinion — one of their most beautiful designs with its scalloped border and lush depiction of blackberries.

Flow blue originated in England and is said to have been the invention of Josiah Wedgwood II. The name is derived from the cobalt blue color used on the ware that seems to bleed or "flow," giving the design a soft haziness. Legend once held that flow blue originated as a kiln accident, but that is incorrect. Flow blue was always made on purpose by adding various chemicals to the kiln during firing.

Flow blue wares first appeared in the late 1820s and were very popular until about the time of the American Civil War (or a tad before). This "first-era" flow blue tended to be very dark and have designs with Asian themes. Flow blue's "second era" of popularity began in the late 19th century, and the blue was somewhat lighter in hue with designs that tended to be either floral or geometric.

Johnson Brothers china products – Buying Guide :emcon2009guwahati

If you want to collect a collector, fine porcelain products, then I think it's the right product for you. For many centuries, and especially after World War I, this product of porcelain were in vogue. People around the world love them, for various reasons such as for decorative purposes or to be collected on. High quality products are popular not only in Asia, but global demand has given way for producers to strengthen their activitiesEducation Offices in most major cities around the world.