Transfer printing is a way of reproducing two-dimensional designs on ceramics. At its best it results in high-quality decoration at a low cost per unit. The design is printed onto a sheet of tissue paper or a thin pliable layer of gelatin (animal glue), by means of which it is then transferred onto the surface of the ware.

The technique was in use at Birmingham in 1751, though it appears to have been practised at the Doccia factory near Florence in the previous decade. 18th-century transfers were made from both paper and pliable sheets of animal glue (or gelatin), but only paper transfers could be used for printing 'blue and white wares'. Transfer-printing transformed the British market in the 19th century for brightly decorated, cheap earthenwares of many shapes and sizes. Gelatin transfers were superseded by tissue paper and the output of the potteries in Staffordshire increased substantially. This type of work is best exemplified by the familiar 'Willow Pattern' however the variety of shapes and designs produced by the Staffordshire potteries were vast.

This dessert plate was made by J & W Ridgway, and the design is 'Portland Basket', marked 'Opaque China / JWR , c.1814-30. This plate was made during the early period of the factory when run by John & William Ridgway, Shelton.