Yale Center for British Art

Creator:
Anderson, J., fl. ca. 1840
Title:
Notebook of recipes for the manufacture of china.
Published / Created:
circa 1840.
Physical Description:
1 v. (53, [2] p.) ; 21 cm.
Holdings:
Rare Books and Manuscripts
NK4605.5 .A43 1840
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Fund

Copyright Status:
Copyright Not Evaluated
Classification:
Archives & Manuscripts
Notes:
Pen and brown ink.

Inscribed on front pastedown: Jno. Anderson, China Manufactory, Gloucester Street. Also inscribed: No. 4 Priory Place, Lyncecombe Hill, Bath.

Bound in quarter sheep and marbled boards.

Early 19th century manuscript notebook kept by J. Anderson, china manufacturer at Bath, recording his recipes and techniques for painting, japanning, gilding, &c. These recipes include: a method for transferring prints upon glass; directions for china painting; directions for laying on the grounds on china; Chinese method of mending china; how to make gold size and black japan; a method of gilding; recipes to make various colors; japanning; and a method for extracting colors. Some sections, such as those on how to make sealing wax or red and black ink, and the section on how "To take spots out of cloth, stuff, &c", appear less directly relevant to the day to day business of the factory. The writer shows a working knowledge of contemporary printed sources. The section "Mr. Howard on Colours" (p. 50) refers to F. Howard's "Colour as a Means of Art", published in 1838. There is also a reference to Sarah Biffin's "Instructions for Miniature Painting" of June, 1824. A subject index is given on the final two unnumbered pages.
Subject Terms:
Howard, Frank, 1805–1866. Colour as a means of art. | Biffin, Sarah, 1784–1850. Instructions for miniature painting. | Ceramic industries -- Great Britain -- Bath -- 19th century. | Porcelain -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | China painting -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | Japanning -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | Gilding -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | Industrialization -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | Workshop recipes -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | Bath (England) -- Economic conditions -- 19th century.
Form/Genre:
Manuals (Handbooks) -- 1840.