LIghtner Museum: Transferware by Paul Scott

The Lightner Museum presents American Scenery and Souvenirs: Transferware by Paul Scott, from Thursday, April 24 through Monday, October 27, 2025. 

Most have seen the traditional transferware commemorative plates in blue and white. In the 1800s, these mass-produced plates portrayed images of cities, American scenery, and landmarks. The plates were popular collectibles, often displayed on the walls or shelves in many family homes for years.

Artist Paul Scott, from the United Kingdom, uses his art and skill to blur the boundaries between design, craft, and fine art. From 2011 to 2018, Paul was the professor of ceramics at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. His current project, New American Scenery, has received funding from the Arts Council of England and an Alturas Foundation Award for artists.

The pieces in American Scenery and Souvenirs begin with the traditional transfer plates showing significant landmarks and American vignettes. However, Paul has added design elements that portray themes of energy consumption, social justice, capitalism, the environmental impact of human activity, and immigration. For example, California Wildfires No:5, 2024 shows a transferware plate made in England in 1910, with portions of the California scenes erased and covered by the blue flames of wildfire. 

The photo at the top of this event post is of Paul Scott's piece titled, Fracked.

Admission: $19.00 for adults, $16.00 for seniors, military, and students. Children 11 and younger are free.

When: Thursday, April 24, 2025 to Monday, October 27, 2025. 

Where: The Lightner Museum, 75 King Street, St. Augustine

With a few exceptions, the museum is open seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

American Scenery and Souvenirs: Transferware by Paul Scott is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, with additional support from the St. Johns Cultural Council and St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.