Tell me, have you ever heard of
Texian Campaigne Transferware?
I had not until I visited the
Texas Governor's Mansion this past spring.
The Texas Governor's Mansion,
designed by the prominent Abner Cook in Greek Revival style,
was built in 1854, and has been home
to every Texas governor.
Situated in downtown Austin,
across the street from the Texas Capitol, the Mansion
was badly damaged by an arson fire on June 8, 2008.
Fortunately all the contents were safely
in off site storage because the Mansion was undergoing
in off site storage because the Mansion was undergoing
a major renovation at the time of the fire.
Among the historic treasures and period antiques
within the Texas Governor's Mansion,
is a collection of Texian Campaigne China.
It is believed that James Beech in Staffordshire, England,
first produced this china in the 1830s or early 1840s
in commemoration of the Texas Revolution
and Texas' independence from Mexico.
With the designs unchanged, the china continued
to be produced from 1844 - 1852 by Thomas Walker,
and by Anthony Shaw after 1852.
and by Anthony Shaw after 1852.
The transferware patterns of this china depict
various military scenes with borders that alternate
images of the Greek Goddess Ceres
and a vignette of draped flags over a drum.
Produced in six different colors,
blue appears to be the most common.
Pieces can also be found
in purple, green, black, brown, and red.
The red is rare and more expensive.
The back side is marked "Texian Campaigne"
within a fan shaped cartouche.
The initials or first name initial with last name
of the potter are below and help in dating a piece.
Within the past couple of decades,
Texian Campaigne was produced by Mottahedeh
as a reproduction for the Dallas County Heritage Society
and later for The Friends of the Governors Mansion.
These pieces are clearly marked as such.
Relatively rare and highly collectable,
Texian Campaigne, made as dinner services
and tea sets, can demand high prices.
In addition to the Texas Governor's Mansion,
If you are ever in Austin, TX,
I highly recommend a tour of this historic home.
Tours are available most Tuesdays - Thursdays
from 10 - Noon with reservations.
Mansion.Tours@tspb.state.tx.us.
In addition to the Texas Governor's Mansion,
Collections of Texian Campaigne are in the following museums:
The Bayou Bend Collection, MFA, Houston
The Witte Museum, San Antonio
Texas A&M University, College Station
Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Dallas
Star of the Republic Museum, Washington-On-The-Brazos
 |
| Source: http://governor.state.tx.us/mansion |
I highly recommend a tour of this historic home.
Tours are available most Tuesdays - Thursdays
from 10 - Noon with reservations.
Mansion.Tours@tspb.state.tx.us.
More detailed information and additional photos
on Texian Campaigne can be found on the following links used as reference:
http://fortbendlifestylesandhomes.com/photographs-through-time/
http://antiquescouncil.com/antiques/index.php?page=out&id=260
http://www.internetantiquegazette.com/pottery
_porcelain/2539_texian_campaigne_pattern_transferware/
Joining
I have not heard of this transferware. It is lovely! The theme is great.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history lesson. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Texas girl, how can I not like this post! As many times as I've been to Austin, I've never made this visit, so you've prodded me to do that next time.
ReplyDeleteI always like to read the background of dishes...thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty pattern, but doubt it will be one I collect after checking the prices on eBay! LOL
Have a wonderful week, Sarah...
I would have loved this when I lived in Sring, Texas! Very historic and what a beautiful mansion for the governor. When we went to Austin we should have visited!
ReplyDeleteThis is new to me, so I appreciate your educating us about this transferware! I'll have to check it out in the museums you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteA terrific post! Not only did I learn something new, but you gave us a chance to see some beautiful dishes (more like pieces of art!) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy sister told me about it and said if I ever saw a Texian Campaigne plate to get it for her. Well, I was working for an antiques dealer at the time and before one of his estate sales, he let me come in and have a preview. And there was a Texian Campaigne dinner plate! I was thrilled to be able to get it for her! It's a reproduction, which didn't matter to her, in the blue and white pattern.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post! I have not heard of this before; but, it is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes! I have seen this china in all it's glory! These pieces appear sometimes in antique shows I have attended. It may have been the Flow Blue Bros.booth at Round Top! The Mottaheded set I viewed many years ago at the antique mall on the hill in the edge of Austin, if only it could have come home with me! This china is fabulous and thanks for sharing a special Texas place, the Govenor's Masion!
ReplyDeletePam
I have never heard of it, but it is so cool. Sorry I missed that spot when I was in Austin!
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
I love all kinds of dishes, but I have never heard of that before. It's so interesting to learn about all the different kinds of dishes. Your post is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKaren
I love all kinds of dishes, but I have never heard of that before. It's so interesting to learn about all the different kinds of dishes. Your post is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKaren
This is wonderful....I love transferware and I love Texas....so to see the two converging is fabulous!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this fascinating history!!!
Love/hugs/blessings & please stop by and see my new blog re-design at www.lanaaustinmotif.blogspot.com,
Lana
How great a set of dishes with history attached. It would be fun to visit and see in person.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Those transferware platters are gorgeous, Sarah. I just love historical dishes. What a wonderful and informative post. Thank you....Christine
ReplyDeleteMagnificent. I'd never heard of them. I adore Texas...always have. I've even tried to convince Sweet Mister that we need to move to the Hill Country a couple of times. No luck...yet. Hey, it could happen! Thanks for the introduction. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteDearest Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThis Texian Campaigne Transferware is very attractive and even more important for its historical significance. I've never heard of it before and I appreciate informative posts like this!
Thanks for sharing this with your readers.
Hugs,
Mariette
Sarah, It is a beautiful pattern. Thank you for sharing the history at the Open House party.
ReplyDeletexx,
Sherry
So interesting. Thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures. I adore these dishes!
ReplyDeleteinteresting history on the dishes and tour of the mansion, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I'm nearly certain that I have seen the reproductions in black in a shop somewhere before. Good thing they were saved from the fire. Interesting and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of dishes being used to commemorate wars. Thanks for the history lesson.
ReplyDeleteBlue transfer ware with Texas battle scenes combines France and Texas. Have you ever been to the French Legate in Austin? I haven't been in over 30 years, but we used to take our Texas History Club (7th graders taking Texas history). How lucky were we to be so close to Austin to take our students to see so many wonderful things!
ReplyDeleteJudith
This is new to me Sarah, and it is lovely. Thank you for educating us about this transferware. Have a wonderful weekend! xo
ReplyDeleteSarah being a Texan by birth this is a very interesting collection! Thanks for sharing this info with us!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! I love touring places in Texas and the transferware is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
This is new to me -- and I lived in TExas 8 years! Oh well -- thanks for teaching me something today.
ReplyDeleteThat is Gorgeous transferware. We saw a number of pieces in varying colors in an antique shop in east Texas. They are unfortunately STILL there....the prices permanently crossed my eyeballs!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
J
Gorgeous transferware! Loved your post...when I was at UT I lived just north of the capital...oh the good old days! Love Austin!
ReplyDeleteMiss Bloomers
I couldn't wait to send a link of this post to my brother in Kerrville! His wife is a travel agent...I wondered if they had been to the governors mansion.
ReplyDeleteAlways the teacher, Sarah, I learned several things from you today. Thanks!
What a stunning mansion! So glad most things were spared the fire. I can't believe the colors and the designs on the transferware - fabulous. I love the color of the capitol building too, it is so unique and pretty. It is fun to be able to tour places like this isn't it? Our Governor's mansion had a terrible fire too but it was caused by a taped together extension cord - ouch!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! Thanks for popping in. We've had some rain this morning but on the news I saw it had really rained all day in Houston. Even we're so close the weather is so different. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Interesting post, and gorgeous pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information.
Hugs,
Patti
The dishes are so stunning, I have never heard of them either, well I have learned something, I adore all the colors...so unique, thanks for the pictures...Phyllis
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI’m not familiar with Texian Campaigne Transferware, so I really enjoyed this informative post. How fortunate all contents were stored in a different location at the time of the fire. The Governor’s Mansion is beautiful, it reminds me of some of the historical Greek Revival Mansions is our state. Great Texas history post Sarah.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Thanks for the info on Texian Campaigne China. I have heard of it, but of course, never seen any, except on line. I love touring historic houses, too. Hope you're having a good weekend. We have rain. Yay!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I love y'all Governor's mansion...prettier than ours here in Georgia, I think. Beautiful transferware! Love your posts, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been back to the Texas Governor's Mansion since it's been re-opened. I'm so glad the fire did not destroy everything. My mother-in-law would really like this transferware. I'll have to keep it in mind for a Christmas gift.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever heard of this, but it is gorgeous. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am like almost everyone else, I have never heard of this china. Thank you for sharing this with your readers - so interesting! I would love to visit the Governor's Mansion. I love Texas and used to visit often - both of my siblings have lived there in the past. Maybe, I will make it back, when my husband finally retires!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this, Sarah. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI love history, and this is my first time reading about Texian Campaigne china. It is lovely, and each plate tells a story.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Austin one day. What a gorgeous Governor's Mansion! I love the columns.
Lovely post!
xo,
RJ
Sarah, love this transfer ware, I have never heard of it until now so thanks for sharing. I would love to tour of the mansion.
ReplyDeleteLove transferware, this is so different. Thanks for sharing, they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! How wonderful that England did a pattern for Texas! Wow!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeletehow interesting to see this transferware with American Military motifs. Really impressive collection and interesting informations. Thank you for sharing this intersting Museum.
Best greetings, Johanna
Good morning, Sarah! No, I have not heard of this transferware, but thank you for sharing its history. What a fabulous collection to be found in Austin. xo
ReplyDeleteFascinating and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous collection Sarah! And well worth a visit to see it in person if I'm ever visiting the Lone Star State again :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting set of dishes Sarah! Thanks you for sharing the story behind it with Home Sweet Home!~
ReplyDeleteSherry
I love transferware! What beautiful pieces, and a great history lesson as well. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Sarah, I'm so glad I didn't miss this post! I adore blue and than the rest of the transferware colors... and wow, with a story to tell made just for Texas, it's really amazing! I'd love to go to the mansión and sit in that table and just amaze myself with those dishes! Thank you for sharing and for visiting me, I love it when you do! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY
Very interesting. I've never heard of it either but I sure do love it!
ReplyDeleteOf course you had me at transferware, but I had not ever heard of this. What an interesting post, Sarah. These scenes and borders are stunning, and the information about them makes them even more interesting. laurie
ReplyDeleteSarah, I have never heard of this transfer ware. It is very handsome and I can see why it is of such high value.
ReplyDeleteThe Governor's mansion is magnificent and I would definitely enjoy a tour of such a wonderful historic home.
Thank you so much for sharing. xoGinger
Oh, Sarah- that is SO interesting!
ReplyDeleteI knew nothing of it!
I have always wanted to see Austin. My BFF lived there for a few years and loved it. I always wished I had visited her. But now my niece lives there, so perhaps I shall visit her instead - hope to one day!
Thank you for the info and history of this lovely transferware. It would be wonderful to visit Austin and see go on tours. Thanks for taking me along on this tour. xo Linda
ReplyDeleteOh my, what fabulous pieces and such beautiful rooms. I would love this tour. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteThere's so much more to the beauty of transferware! They're like toile or quilts - meant to tell a story! Yours are gorgeous - especially being platters! So delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathy
Yeah, Sarah. I am so glad you won House Proud over at my BFF's Dixie Delights. Let me know what you think when you receive it. Thanks for following along.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, Thank you for this very informative and interesting post! I am just beginning to learn about transferware and the more I learn the more I realize I will never know all! I am going to a great antique dish store this weekend and I'm going to be on the lookout for this, although the store is in Maine! I'm also headed to the State Houses of Maine and Vermont soon. They are always filled with treasures and often missed by travelers. Linda
ReplyDeleteWell I am not surprised that Texans have their own transferware :) It is beautiful. Thanks for the tour. Joni
ReplyDelete