Artist PAUL SCOTT spruces up his old china with a splash of NEW AMERICAN SCENERY

Think that’s ‘real’ china in your grandparents’ or your parents’ cabinet? Chances are, all those plates, cups, etc. may actually be transferware instead. Transferware’s a style of decorated china that first catered to the emerging middle class in England during the Industrial Revolution and not nearly as expensive as hand-painted porcelain china. Artist Paul Scott has made it his mission to introduce the world to his “reanimating [of] historical transferware to reflect contemporary landscape as well as issue that are affecting and forming it.” Says Scott: “I work with transferware and collage, examining, celebrating and updating a classic decorative genre.”

Purists may not always be enamoured by transferware, but Paul Scott is certainly thought-provoking and distinctive. The Cumbrian-based artist focuses on modern political and cultural issues. You’ll be surprised when looking at two examples of his plates, that not only are you seeing the common blue and white country scenes of yore but also printed 21st century soldiers and large-haul trucks (lorries) of the USA! 

words RHONDA LEE REALI