Creamware, often historically referred to as "Queensware", was a late 18th century – early 19th century English cream-colored earthenware that was characterized by "applying a lead glaze to a biscuit body of ball clay and flint" (Copeland 1982: 4). The lead addition to the glaze produced an overall yellowing effect of the vessel exterior. Although some cream-colored earthenwares were in production by ca. 1740-1750; the popularity of this ware type really did not begin until Josiah Wedgwood's production refinement by ca. 1767 - 1768 (Noël Hume 1972: 227; Towner 1978: 21). In England, creamware was already being superceded by pearlware by the ca. 1780s; however, the ware type's popularity and/or use in the United States continued until ca. 1810 – 1820 (Noël Hume 1972: 236).
The portion of the Creamware plate seen at frame left is in the "Royal" pattern; according to Noël Hume (1972: 238) this pattern was still common in the United States into the second decade of the 19th century. It is probable that this specimen dates to the Reed occupation of the farmstead. The inset at right showing the original pattern drawing for the Royal Pattern is taken from a ca. 1802 pattern book produced by Wedgwood (Barnard 1924: Illustration facing page 84).
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