Liberty Blue: The All-American Pattern

Some patterns feel like home the moment you set them on the table. Liberty Blue is one of those—patriotic, charming, and steeped in American history, yet crafted in the storied potteries of Staffordshire, England. Its journey from a bank promotion to a beloved collectible is half the magic—and why we love sourcing it for The Clutter Box.

A Bicentennial Idea (with a Banking Twist)

In the mid-1970s, Benjamin Franklin Federal Savings & Loan—a Portland, Oregon thrift founded in 1925—commissioned a special dinnerware line to celebrate its 50th anniversary and the approaching U.S. Bicentennial. The bank’s goal was simple: reward depositors with something beautiful and memorable. They turned to Enoch Wedgwood & Co. (Tunstall) Ltd. in Staffordshire, renowned for durable ironstone and fine transferware. The result was Liberty Blue, launched in 1975–1976 as a depositor premium.

Customers could receive pieces (even full place settings) by opening or adding to accounts during the promotion—an old-school “thank you” that turned into a national craze as the Bicentennial spirit swept the country. Mother Thyme - all things home

Scenes that Celebrate Early America

Liberty Blue’s deep cobalt transfer depicts iconic moments and places from the colonial era—Independence Hall on dinner plates, Paul Revere’s Ride on cups, Old North Church, Mount Vernon, Monticello, and more. Collectors often speak of “the 15 scenes,” a handy way to refer to the core motifs that appear across plates, bowls, and serving pieces. The combination of patriotic imagery and a traditional border made it perfect for everyday tables as well as holidays.

From Bank Lobbies to Grocery Aisles

(and a Few Special Perks)

After the initial bank campaign, Liberty Blue didn’t disappear. The line moved into wider distribution—appearing as a national grocery store promotion (famously at A&P)—which is why you’ll still find sets scattered from coast to coast today. A handful of special premiums were produced as well (collectors often note bank-only serving pieces and occasional campaign gifts), which keeps the hunt interesting.

There were even special plates offered to Avon representatives during 1976 sales campaigns—another thread in the Liberty Blue story that explains a few variations collectors encounter. blueandwhite.co.uk

Why Collectors Still Love It

1. Timeless color. The inky blue transfer pairs effortlessly with whites, creams, natural linens, and wood—equally at home in colonial, cottage, coastal, or farmhouse settings.

2. Mix-and-match friendly. Liberty Blue layers beautifully with other blue-and-white patterns and plain whites, so you can build a table that feels collected rather than “matched.”

3. American story, English craft. Designed to celebrate U.S. history, yet produced in Staffordshire’s historic potteries—there’s heritage on both sides of the Atlantic.

4. Attainable collecting. Because of the 1970s promotions, pieces remain findable—and condition and scene choice (plus a few rarer premiums) give room for the thrill of the chase.

How to Start (or Grow) a Liberty Blue Collection

• Choose your hero scene. Many collectors begin with Independence Hall dinner plates, then add accent pieces with complementary scenes.

• Watch scale and use. Soup bowls and rimmed coup bowls are table workhorses; platters and vegetable bowls anchor holiday service.

• Mind condition. Look for crisp transfers, even glaze, and minimal utensil wear. Ironstone is sturdy—but the best pieces still shine.

• Tell your table’s story. Liberty Blue sings when paired with natural textures (rattan, flax, wood) and a little sparkle (crystal, silver, or polished flatware).

  
  

Maker & Marks, at a Glance

• Manufacturer: Enoch Wedgwood & Co. (Tunstall) Ltd., Staffordshire, England (often marked “Staffordshire, England” and “Liberty Blue”).

• Material: Ironstone with cobalt transfer.

• U.S. Release: c. 1975–1976 (bank premium coinciding with the 1976 Bicentennial; later grocery promotions expanded availability).

  
  

The Clutter Box Point of View

At The Clutter Box, we love Liberty Blue because it feels like a conversation—about places, moments, and the joy of gathering. Each piece we curate is chosen for condition, clarity of transfer, and story. If you’re building a set, start with the pieces you’ll reach for most (dinner plates, bowls, a platter), then let the scenes guide you.

Every piece has a past—and a future. If a scene you’re searching for isn’t currently in our shop, tell us what you love and we’ll keep an eye out.