Burleigh Blue Calico plate

This ceramic plate features the iconic 'Blue Calico' pattern, which is most famously associated with the British pottery brand Burleigh. The pattern was first introduced into the Burleigh pattern book in 1968, drawing inspiration from 19th-century indigo fabrics and traditional Chinese porcelain motifs of prunus blossoms on a 'cracked ice' background. Burleigh is renowned for being the last pottery in the world to still use the traditional underglaze tissue transfer printing process, which involves hand-engraving copper rollers to apply intricate designs.

While Burleigh is the original and most celebrated producer of this specific all-over floral design, similar 'Calico Blue' patterns have been produced under other brands such as Churchill (under its 'Queen's' label) and Johnson Brothers. Authentic Burleigh pieces are handcrafted at the historic Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, England. As of 2026, the Burleigh brand (owned by Burgess, Dorling & Leigh Ltd) is part of the Denby Pottery family, which has recently faced corporate restructuring but continues to maintain production of its heritage lines due to strong global demand.