The Spongeware potteries were based in areas where there was clay to make the pots and coal to fire the kilns and centres of production emerged in Scotland for the manufacture of stone and earthenware pottery. These potteries produced practical domestic plates, bowls, jugs and mugs decorated with elaborate and colourful sponge and hand painted designs. The patterns were created by dipping a shaped sponge in coloured pigment and gently pressing it onto a piece of earthenware pottery of a contrasting colour, creating an overall sponged pattern. A clear glaze was then applied, and the piece fired. The most commonly used colours were red and blue and a various of shades of green. Spongeware was also produced in Irish and some English potteries from where it migrated around the world. From the remote islands of the Scottish Hebrides to the vast prairies of North America, where it became known as Spatterware, Spongeware has been enjoyed and treasured. Today Spongeware is very collectable and good examples are rare and highly sought after by collectors.