A Look at the China Patterns Used on Titanic

Introduction

• Collecting White Star Memorabilia: Interest in Titanic memorabilia has grown since the discovery of the wreck, with collectors seeking knowledge about the ship and its artifacts.

First-Class Service

• Turquoise & Brown Patterns: Two different patterns were used in the first-class Reception and Dining rooms. The “small” pattern was used on smaller pieces, while the “Crown” pattern was used on dinner plates.
• Manufacturers: Brownfield was the original potter, but later pieces were made by Bridgwood and Spode.

Second-Class Service

• Delft Pattern: The second-class dining room used a blue-on-white Delft pattern, which was popular and still available today. It was produced by Minton and brokered by Stonier Co.

Third-Class Service

• Plain White Ware: Third-class china was simple white ware with the White Star logo. It was cost-effective and often lacked maker’s marks or date codes.

Additional Patterns

• Brown Pattern: A less common brown version of the small turquoise pattern was also used, possibly in first-class cabins.
• Flow Blue: A variation of the Delft pattern known as Flow Blue was also used by White Star.

Special Services

• Royal Crown Derby: Used in the a’ la carte Restaurant, this pattern was ordered specifically for Titanic.
• Spode Cobalt Patterns: Prestigious patterns like Spode’s R4332 were used for special services or VIPs.

Verandah Cafés and Other Areas

• Verandah Cafés: Likely used the small turquoise-and-brown pattern.
• Smoking Rooms & Lounges: Limited use of china, with the small turquoise-and-brown pattern possibly found in the first-class Smoking Room.

Summary

• Ongoing Discoveries: Exploration and salvage of Titanic continue to reveal new information about the china patterns used on board.