Around the turn of the 19th century, ironstone was created as a durable alternative to the ever-popular and expensive Chinese porcelain. This method of creating less costly pieces was popularized by C.J. Mason. Morely set up shop in the mid 1840's and subsequently purchased Mason's molds in the early 1850's.  
 
Transferware designs were popularized during this time as an alternative to hand painting, thus keeping the pieces affordable. Transferware was created by pressing an engraved copper plate coated in ink through a tissue like paper onto the ironstone piece before firing it, thus setting the design. 
 
Francis Morely Shelton "Vista" Ironstone Compote Bowl Circa 1850's.
Staffordshire, England
11 3/4" L x 10 1/2" W x 4" H
Minor crazing
No touch ups visible with UV light