Plate c. 1936

This plate was made by Helmut Hiatt, likely from clay, transformed through the alchemy of fire into a durable ceramic. Notice the printed image of the Erie Canal Aqueduct Bridge at Rochester, a picturesque scene framed by a decorative floral border. Transfer printing like this emerged during the Industrial Revolution. A design is engraved onto a copper plate, inked, and then transferred to a sheet of tissue paper. This tissue is then carefully applied to the ceramic surface, leaving the image behind when fired. This technique allowed for mass production and distribution, bringing images and narratives to a wider audience. This plate speaks to the democratizing power of industrial production, but also hints at the labor involved. From mining the clay to the engravers, printers, and potters – many hands contributed to its creation. By focusing on the materials and making of this plate, we see how it reflects the social and economic forces of its time, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry.