Plate printing

Most plate prints were used as furnishing fabrics, although some small patterns were produced as dress material. Handkerchiefs commemorating political or public events were also produced in quantity. By the end of the eighteenth century plate printing had been almost completely replaced by copper roller printing

From about 1752 engraved flat copper plates were used to produce printed fabrics. The design was cut into the surface of the plate and it was these lines which held the colour.

The fabric and plate were tightly clamped together in a press to transfer the design to the cloth. Plate prints were made in a single colour, usually either red, purple or blue. Extremely detailed images could be produced with the process.