Chelsea--M. Spremont--Sale of the Works to Duesbury--Removal
to Derby--Wages Bills--Simpson’s Works--Wedgwood’s
Works--Ruhl’s Works--Bow--Heylin and Frye--Weatherby
and Crowther--Craft--Sale of Works to Duesbury--Kentish
Town--Giles and Duesbury--Euston Road--Mortlocks and
others--Hoxton--Hammersmith.
“Chelsea buns,” “Chelsea pensioners,” and “Chelsea china” are surely
three things, each one in itself sufficient to make a place famous, but
when brought together, a three-fold fame must certainly attach to the
locality which has given them a name. With the buns and the pensioners,
however, I disclaim all connection in my present work. The former are
not sufficiently works of Art-manufacture to entitle them to a place in
our columns, and the latter are certainly not articles of _virtù_
which can be collected together and stowed away under glass shades by
the connoisseur. And yet the “Chelsea Bun-house” has its story--full
of interest and of incident--and the “Hospital” has a history and a
host of associations connected with it, which render these two places
memorable, and give them an imperishable interest. It is with the
“China”--the third of the matters I have named, and of whose story
the least is known--that I have now to do. The establishment of the
Bun-house, and its history to the latest time, is easily traced out and
written; the foundation of the Hospital, and the events which have from
time to time filled it with pensioners, are matters of record which
are easily gathered together; but the formation of the china works,
and many of the changes the establishment has undergone, are lost to
us, and will be difficult to recover. It is my object here to attempt
to get back so much as may be of the early history of the works, and
to throw together the scraps I have collected, into the form of a
narrative, which may become the nucleus of a larger and more extended
history, as fresh facts are brought to light in the course of my own
investigations or of those of others interested in the matter.
It is better to state at the outset that the history of the Chelsea
China Works is very obscure. In fact, a London fog, such as is
proverbial in the month in which I write (November), seems to have
closed around, and enveloped the place in such a dense mass as to make
it next to invisible. A little of this cloud of mist I have already
removed, and I trust that in the course of future researches I may
be able to almost entirely dispel it. At all events, every item of
information is valuable, and in the following narrative a vast deal of
new matter will be found, which will materially assist the collector in
understanding the history of these, the most celebrated of any of the
old china manufactories of the United Kingdom.
The south-western district of London, on both sides of the water, has,
as I have already shown, for a long period, been the seat of fictile
manufactories of an extensive and important character. Fulham, Chelsea,
Battersea, Vauxhall, Pedler’s Acre, Lambeth--all had their potteries
at an early date, and all, probably, had their origin from one common
source. What that first source was--_i.e._, where the first pottery
was founded--is, of course difficult to say, but from it others sprung
up, in different directions, until quite a nest of manufactories was
located in the suburban districts. The artisans of the seventeenth
century were chiefly Dutchmen; indeed, the manufacture was of that
kind of ware known as “Delft-ware”--originally made in Holland, and
introduced into England by workmen from thence. The importation of
“Delft-ware” in this (seventeenth) century was considerable, and at
that period the manufacture of a kind of porcelain is said to have been
achieved at Delft.
I have shown on another page that large quantities of ware were
imported into England from Holland in the seventeenth century, and that
Dutch workmen of skill and enterprise were induced, from the prospect
of a good home trade here, to settle in England. These workmen, it is
not too much to believe, were acquainted with the art of manufacturing
porcelain as produced in Delft, as well as the ordinary kind of ware
made in their native country; and thus the knowledge was brought into
our kingdom, and carried on, to some little extent, by those who
settled here. The first maker of china, as I have shown in my account
of the Fulham Works, was Mr. Dwight, and to him I am inclined to award
the honour of being the father of the Chelsea China Works, about whose
origin so little is known. The probability is that after Dwight had
succeeded in making porcelain, and abandoned it, some other potter
started the works at Chelsea, and with good result.
When first commenced they were, of course, of a very small size, and
were, it is said, principally confined to painting and finishing
Oriental china, which was imported for that purpose. There is a
tradition--but only tradition--that the origin of the Chelsea works
took its rise from the fact of clay being brought as ballast in vessels
from Chinese ports, which was found to be the veritable clay used by
the Oriental potters. This clay is said to have been used both at
Chelsea and at Bow, and to have enabled the workmen successfully to
compete with their Eastern rivals. The tradition, however, goes on to
recount that the Chinese, finding that the uses of this clay had been
discovered, and perceiving that they were losing trade in consequence,
wisely “stopped the supplies,” and peremptorily refused to allow
any more to leave their ports. The workmen were then driven to seek
elsewhere for material, and, as a matter of course, soon found enough
to use in our country.
By whom the works were carried on in their early days is not recorded,
but in the year 1745 the art had evidently attained a high continental
as well as home celebrity. In this year the French company, in their
petition for the exclusive privilege of establishing a porcelain
manufactory at Vincennes, urged the benefit which France might be
expected to derive by having a manufactory of porcelain which should
counteract the reputation of English and German make, and stop their
importation into France. There is nothing to show that Chelsea, any
more than Bow, was intended by this; but as ten years later, according
to Rouquet, “that of Chelsea is the most considerable” of the three or
four china manufactories in the neighbourhood of London, it is probable
it was then one of the seats of manufacture of which France was jealous.
George II. gave the Chelsea establishment his countenance and earnest
support, and did much to encourage its works, and to ensure its
success. He procured for it workmen, models, and materials from the
State of Saxony, and thus enabled the factory to produce works of
such high merit as to successfully rival the productions of Sèvres
and Dresden. This royal patronage of course produced its results, in
procuring the patronage of many of the leading men of the day. Thus,
the Duke of Cumberland not only took it under his special care, but
allowed a sum of money annually for its furtherance and support. In
1750 it belonged to M. Nicholas Spremont, or Sprimont, a foreigner
of considerable taste and talent, who did much towards establishing
its already acquired reputation. At this time the productions of the
establishment must have been of a particularly high order. In Watkins’s
“Life of Queen Charlotte,” it is stated that “there are several rooms
in Buckingham Palace full of curiosities and valuable movables, but not
ranged in proper order. Among other things I beheld with admiration a
complete service of Chelsea china, rich and beautiful in fancy beyond
expression. I really never saw any Dresden near so fine. Her Majesty
made a present of this choice collection to the duke, her brother--a
present worthy of so great a prince.” Horace Walpole, too, in 1763,
wrote, “I saw yesterday (March 3, 1763) a magnificent service of
Chelsea china, which the king and queen are sending to the Duke of
Mecklenberg. There are dishes and plates without number, an epergne,
candlestick, salt-cellars, sauce-boats, tea and coffee equipages, &c.
In short it is complete, and cost £1,200.”
In the Lansdowne MSS.[57] in the British Museum is a curious document
relating to the Chelsea works, which, being particularly interesting,
I here give in full. It is entitled “The case of the Undertaker of the
Chelsea manufacture of Porcelain Ware.”
“Many attempts towards this art have been made in Europe for a
long course of years past; the success which has been met with
at Dresden has revived these pursuits in many parts of Europe.
“The Empress Queen has a manufacture of her own.
“The French King has one, and has patronised and encouraged
several; the King of Naples has one; the late Duke of Orleans
was, at the time of his death, and had been for many years,
engaged very earnestly in this pursuit, but none have come up to
the pattern they have been endeavouring to imitate.
“Several attempts have likewise been made here; few have made
any progress, and the chief endeavours at Bow have been towards
making a more ordinary sort of ware for common uses.
“This undertaker, a silversmith by profession, from a casual
acquaintance with a chymist who had some knowledge this way, was
tempted to make a trial, which, upon the progress he made, he
was encouraged to pursue with great labour and expense; and as
the town and some of the best judges expressed their approbation
of the essays he produced of his skill, he found means to engage
some assistance.
“The manufacture was then put upon a more extensive footing, and
he had the encouragement of the public to a very great degree,
so that the last winter he sold to the value of more than
£3,500, which is a great deal, considering the thing is new, and
is of so great extent that it has been beyond the reach of his
industry to produce such complete assortments as are required in
a variety of ways. This has been a great spur to his industry,
so that, notwithstanding some discouragements, the ground-plot
of his manufacture has gone on still increasing.
“The discouragements, besides the immense difficulties in
every step towards the improvement of the art, have been the
introduction of immense quantities of Dresden porcelain.
“It was known that, as the laws stand, painted earthenware,
other than that from India, is not enterable at the Custom
House, otherwise than for private use, and of course becomes
forfeit when offered to sale, as well as lace from France, or
any other unenterable commodity; and though it was publicly sold
in a great many shops, and that there were even very frequent
public sales of it, it was hoped that what was exposed to sale
was chiefly the stock in hand, and when that should be got off,
this grievance would cease. It has, nevertheless, happened
quite otherwise, for not only the importations continue, and
considerable parcels are allowed to pass at the Custom House, as
for private use, by which means the shops abound with new stock,
and public sales are advertised at the very beginning of the
winter, and in large quantities; but there is reason to believe,
from the diminution in the price of the Dresden china, that this
is done on purpose to crush the manufactory established here,
which was a project threatened last year.
“It is apprehended that if recourse is had to the Custom House
books, it will be found that considerable quantities have been
entered there for private use, besides what may have been
allowed to pass as Furniture to foreign ministers.
“This earthenware pays eightpence by the pound when entered
for private use; but a figure of very little weight may be
worth five pounds, so that the real value of what is sold here
will be found to be considerable; and, indeed, it must be so,
as this ware makes an important article in a number of great
shops, besides the number of public sales during the course of
a winter, and the other private ways there are of carrying it
about.
“It may be a motive to let it be entered at the Custom House,
that great names are made use of there; but it is to be
regretted, that either these names are often made use of without
authority, or that names are often given for very mean purposes;
and as nobody is named, it may be said that a certain foreign
minister’s house has been, for a course of years, a warehouse
for this commerce, and the large parcel, advertised for public
sale on the seventh of next month, is come, or is to come from
thence.
“Even the right of entering this ware at all is a doubtful
point, and the affirmative is taken upon presumption, because
the law says it shall not be entered for sale.
“The manufacture in England has been carried on so far by great
labour, and at a large expense; it is in many points to the
full as good as the Dresden, and the late Duke of Orleans told
Colonel York that the metal or earth had been tried in his
furnace, and was found to be the best made in Europe. It is now
daily improving, and already employs at least one hundred hands,
of which is a nursery of thirty lads, taken from the parishes
and charity schools, and bred to designing and painting--arts
very much wanted here, and which are of the greatest use in our
silk and printed linen manufactures.
“Besides the advantage great honour accrues to the nation, from
the progress made in so fine an art, without any of those aids
by which it has been set on foot and supported abroad; nor has
there even been any application for new laws or prohibitions
in its favour, which has been a rule in every country upon the
establishment of new manufactures.
“The execution of the laws which have all along been in force,
and which can give no offence to anybody, it is apprehended will
answer the purpose; all that is therefore requested is, that the
Commissioners of the Customs may be cautioned with regard to
the admission of this ware under the pretence of private use,
and that the public sale of it may not be permitted any more
than that of other prohibited goods. A few examples of seizures
would put a stop to this, and which cannot be difficult, as all
Dresden china has a sure mark to distinguish it by; but if this
commerce is permitted to go on, the match between a crowned head
and private people must be very unequal, and the possessors of
the foreign manufactures will at any time, by the sacrifice
of a few thousand pounds, have it in their power to ruin any
undertaking of this kind here.
“This must be the case at present with the Chelsea manufacture,
unless the administration will be pleased to interpose, and
enjoin, in the proper place, a strict attention to the execution
of the laws; for if, while the manufacture is filled with ware,
these public sales of, and the several shops furnished with,
what is prohibited, are to take off the ready money which should
enable the manufacturer to go on, it must come to a stop, to the
public detriment, and the ruin of the undertaker, as well as
great loss to those who have engaged in his support.”
Who the “undertaker” of the works here referred to was, is not stated
in the document, which, according to Mr. Franks, bears internal
evidence of having been written after 1752 and before 1759. Whether
the Customs acceded to his views or not does not appear; but certain
it is that, despite the abuse of import privilege enjoyed by cabinet
ministers and others, he was, by his own showing, carrying on a very
extensive business, selling £3,500 worth of goods in one winter, and
employing more than a hundred hands, including a nursery of about
thirty lads, who were learning the arts of potting and painting.
In 1754 the following advertisement, which is most important as showing
the class of goods then made at Chelsea, appeared in the _Public
Advertiser_ of December 17th:--
“To be sold by auction, by Mr. Ford, at his Great Room, in
St. James’s, Hay-Market, this and four following days. All
the entire stock of Chelsea porcelain toys, brought from the
proprietor’s warehouse in Pall Mall; consisting of snuff-boxes,
smelling-bottles, and trinkets for watches (mounted in gold
and unmounted) in various beautiful shapes, of an elegant
design, and curiously painted in enamel, a large parcell of
knife-hafts, &c. The said stock may be viewed till the time of
sale, which will begin each day at half an hour after eleven
o’clock. Note.--Most of the above things are in lots suitable
for jewellers, goldsmiths, toyshops, china-shops, cutlers, and
workmen in those branches of business. Catalogues may be had at
Mr. Ford’s, at sixpence each, which will be allowed to those who
are purchasers.”
In Mr. Franks’s possession, and in other collections, examples of these
“toys” are preserved. Mr. Franks has a smelling-bottle in form of a
group, being a boy seated and writing a letter, while a girl looks
on: the letter is inscribed, “Fe: 1759, This is.” In that year a Mr.
Hughes, an ironmonger in Pall Mall, in his advertisement of May 2nd--
“Begs leave to inform the nobility, gentry, and others, that he
has a greater choice of the Chelsea Porcelain than any dealer
in London, both useful and ornamental; and as they were bought
cheap can be sold more reasonable than they can be made at the
manufactory. He has compleat services of plates and dishes,
tureens, sauce-boats, &c., which no one else has; several
elegant epargnes for desarts, and one beautiful one bought at
the last sale; several figures and greatest choice of branches
with the best flowers, such as were on the chandelier at the
last sale; and upwards of three thousand of those flowers to be
sold by themselves, so that ladies or gentlemen may make use of
them in grottos, branches, epargnes, flower-pots, &c., agreeable
to their own taste.”
After much research I find that Mr. Spremont continued the works until
1768 or 1769, when he retired, principally through ill health,[58]
after having amassed a comfortable fortune; his ledgers dating from
1759 to 1768. During the time of his carrying on the establishment the
works were very flourishing--indeed, it was said that “the china was in
such repute as to be sold by auction; and as a set was purchased as
soon as baked, dealers were surrounding the doors for that purpose.”
Mr. Spremont’s managing man was Francis Thomas, of whom I shall
have a few words to say presently. When Spremont retired from the
concern, it was purchased by, or assigned over to, Mr. James Cox,
who engaged Francis Thomas as overseer, at a salary of £100 a year,
and this arrangement continued to the 6th of January, 1770, when Mr.
Thomas died. Shortly afterwards the concern again, and for the last
time, changed hands. Mr. Thomas was a man of good ability and of much
practical skill, and to his energy in directing the works under Mr.
Spremont much of their fame may be traced. He was buried in the south
aisle of the parish church of Chelsea, where an inscription to his
memory now remains.
I have in my possession a bill from Elizabeth, widow of Francis Thomas,
which is somewhat interesting, as refuting the statements which have
been made as to the position held by this gentleman, and which I
therefore give entire:--
JAMES COX, Esq., _to_ ELIZ. THOMAS, _Dr._
£ _s._ _d._
To Keeping a Horse from ye 14 of Decm. 1769, to Friday,
March ye 2, 1770, which is 11 Weacks, at 10_s._ 6_d._
pr. Weack 5 15 6
To 20 Trusses of Hay, at 18_d._ pr. Truss 1 10 0
To 11 Trusses of Straw, at 10_d._ pr. do. 0 9 2
To 5 Pecks of Corn Remaining 0 2 10
To 1 Chaldren & ¾ of Coals 2 19 6
To Shuting the Coals 0 1 0
----------
1770. £10 18 0
Jany. 27. To paid a weekly Bill 3 2 6
Feb. 3. To paid ditto 2 14 10
„ 10. To paid ditto 3 19 2
----------
Carried forward £20 14 6
Brought forward 20 14 6
Feb. 17. To paid a Weekly Bill 4 16 9
Mr. Thomas’s Sallery for Looking after the Manufactory
--£100 pr. anam, which he enjoyed from Septm. 1769 to
Jany. 6, 1770 25 4 0
----------
£50 15 3
Received in part by Mourning Rings 17 0 0
-----------
£33 15 3
The following announcements refer to the sales and proposed sales of
the manufactory, and its models, plant, &c.:--
1764. “To be sold by auction, by Mr. Burnsall, on the premises,
some time in March next (1764), at the Chelsea porcelane
manufactory. Every thing in general belonging to it, and all
the remaining unfinished peices, glazed and unglazed; some
imperfect enamelled ditto of the useful and ornamental, all
the meterials, the valuable and extensive variety of fine
models in wax, in brass, and in lead; all the plaster molds
and others, the mills, kilns, and iron presses; together with
all the fixtures of the different warehouses; likewise all the
outbuildings, &c., &c. And as Mr. Sprimont, the sole possessor
of this rare porcelane secret, is advised to go to the German
spaw, all his genuine household furniture, &c., will be sold at
the same time.
“N.B.--Soon after, when every thing is sold belonging to the
manufactory, &c., and the large warehouse cleared, there will
be some most beautiful peices of the truly inimitable Marazine
blus, crimson, and gold, that Mr. Sprimount has thought
deserving finishing; that will be sold at Chelsea, as the whole
remaining and the last produce of that once most magnificent
porcelane manufactory.”
(April 1769) “To all proprietors of porcelane manufactories
and others; there is to be sold at the Chelsea manufactory,
by order of the proprietor (having recently left off making
the same), every thing in general belonging to it, as all the
plaster moulds, models in wax, lead and brass; kilns, mills,
iron presses, and a large quantity of biscuit work, &c., &c.,
likewise all the buildings and many other articles. For further
particulars, enquire of Mr. Thomas at the said manufactory.”
In the _Gazetteer, or New Daily Advertiser_, for May, 1769, is the
following advertisement:--
“To be sold by auction, by Mr. Burnsall, at his auction room
in Charles Street, Berkeley Square, on Wednesday, the 17th of
May, and the following days, by order of Mr. Nicholas Sprimont,
the proprietor of the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, he having
entirely left off making the same, all the curious and truly
matchless pieces of that valuable manufactory; consisting of
beautiful vases, antique urns, perfume pots, table and dessart
services, tea and coffee equipages, compatiers, leaves, &c.,
beautiful candlesticks of different shapes; variety of figures,
very large and curious groups, particularly two groups of Roman
charity, toilet boxes of various forms and sizes, and many other
articles, most highly finished in the mazarine blue, crimson,
pea-green, and gold, finely painted in figures, birds, fruit,
and flowers, enriched with gold and curiously chased. To be
viewed on Monday the 15th, and till the sale. N.B.--Likewise
will be sold all the fine models, mills, kilns, presses,
buildings, and all other articles belonging to this most
distinguished manufactory. For further particulars apply to the
said Mr. Burnsall.”
In reference to this last advertisement, Josiah Wedgwood thus wrote to
Thomas Bentley:--“The Chelsea moulds, models, &c., are to be sold, but
I’ll enclose you the advertisement--there’s an immense amount of fine
things;” and about the same date, writing to his clerk, William Cox, he
says:--“Pray enquire of Mr. Thomas whether they are determined to sell
less than the whole of the models, &c., together: if so I do not think
it would suit me to purchase. I should be glad if you could send me any
further particulars of the things at Chelsea.”
About this time Dr. Johnson was busying himself in experimentalising
in compositions for the manufacture of porcelain, and an interesting
account of his progress at Chelsea, as given from the lips of the
foreman of the works, is preserved by Faulkener. He says, in his
“History of Chelsea:”--
“Mr. H. Stephens was told by the foreman of the Chelsea China
Manufactory (then in the workhouse of St. Luke’s, Middlesex),
that Dr. Johnson had conceived a notion that he was capable of
improving on the manufacture. He even applied to the directors
of the Chelsea China Works, and was allowed to bake his
compositions in their ovens in Lawrence Street, Chelsea. He was
accordingly accustomed to go down with his housekeeper about
twice a week, and stayed the whole day, she carrying a basket of
provisions with her. The Doctor, who was not allowed to enter
the mixing-room, had access to every other part of the house,
and formed his composition in a particular apartment, without
being overlooked by anyone. He had also free access to the oven,
and superintended the whole process, but completely failed, both
as to composition and baking, for his materials always yielded
to the intensity of the heat, while those of the Company came
out of the furnace perfect and complete. The Doctor retired
in disgust, though not in despair, for he afterwards gave a
dissertation on this very subject in his works; but the overseer
(he was still living in the spring of 1814) assured Mr. Stephens
that he (the overseer) was still ignorant of the nature of the
operation. He seemed to think that the Doctor imagined one
single substance was sufficient, while he, on the other hand,
asserted that he always used sixteen; and he must have had some
practice, as he had nearly lost his eyesight by firing batches
of china, both at Chelsea and at Derby, to which the manufacture
was afterwards carried.”
Dr. Johnson certainly took much interest in the manufacture of
porcelain, and after the discontinuance of the Chelsea works visited
those at Derby. He does not, however, seem to have carried his
researches on to any practical result.
In 1769 Mr. William Duesbury, the proprietor of the famous Derby China
Works, became the purchaser of the Chelsea works, and for many years
carried on the two establishments conjointly. The Derby works had at
that time attained to a high degree of excellence and of celebrity,
and Mr. Duesbury (who became the purchaser, not only of the Chelsea
works, but those of Bow, Giles’s, Pedlar’s Acre, &c.) was doing more
trade than was done at any other establishment in the kingdom. He had
opened an extensive connection with London, and was rapidly increasing
his concern, both in that and other markets, and had become more than a
successful rivaller of the excellence of the Chelsea wares.
The purchase of the Chelsea works was arranged on the 17th of August,
1769, and completed on the 5th of February, 1770, when a payment of
£400, in part of the purchase money, was made. The original document,
now in my possession, is highly interesting, and is as follows:--
“Recd. London, 5th Feby. 1770, of Mr. Wm. Duesbury, four hundred
pounds, in part of the purchase of the Chelsea Porcelain
Manufactory and its apurtenances and lease thereof, which I
promise to assign over to him on or before the 8th instant.
“JAMES COX.”
Thus the Chelsea works, which had been taken to by Mr. Duesbury in
August, 1769, and had been, indeed, carried on at his cost from about
that period, finally passed into his hands on the 8th of February,
1770. The purchase included not only the “Porcelain manufactory and
its appurtenances and the lease thereof,” but the stock of finished
and unfinished goods then on the premises; and this gave rise to a
long and tedious lawsuit, of which I shall have to speak hereafter.
Mr. Duesbury also, it would appear, covenanted to pay all liabilities
on the estate, and of course to receive all moneys due to it. At the
foot of the bill from Mrs. Thomas to Mr. Cox, printed above, there is
this very significant foot-note:--“Mr. Cox sold Mr. Deusbury the whole,
who was to pay the above, and every other matter.” Other bills, in my
possession, including one from William Payne, the carpenter, for £19
15_s._ 5_d._, for repairs done at the works for Mr. Cox, are
endorsed as paid by Mr. Duesbury. In this carpenters bill one item
shows that the works were palisadoed:--“Dec. 9, 1769. To repairing the
yard gates and palisades, setting on locks, 9_s._ 6_d._”
The accounts do not appear to have been quite cleared up until the
year 1780, when, upon the winding up of the affairs of Mr. Cox, on his
failure or death, a claim was made on Mr. Duesbury by the solicitor,
Mr. Jasper Jay, for balance of account as then “standing open in the
books of Mr. Cox.” The account is but short; but as all this is useful
material towards the history of the Chelsea works, and is therefore of
importance, I give it entire.
_Messrs._ WM. DEUSBURY & CO.,
_Dr. to the Estate of_ JAMES COX.
1770. £ _s._ _d._
Feby. 6. To cash paid 2 small Bills 5 17 4
„ 9. To ditto pd. Haskins 12 8 0
„ 20. To Interest J. Cox note to N. Sprimont, 6 mo. £300 7 10 0
1774.
June 15. To 40 Museum Lottery Tickets 42 0 0
----------
1771. £67 15 4
Oct. 8. _Cr._ By net produce goods per Capt. Peirce 52 4 0
----------
£15 11 4
The lawsuit to which I have alluded was commenced the same year that
the works finally passed into the hands of Mr. Duesbury, and was
brought by that gentleman against Burnsall (I presume the auctioneer
named above), to recover a quantity of goods said to have been
unlawfully sold to him by Francis Thomas, and which in reality belonged
to Duesbury, as a part of his purchase. The goods, which appear to
have been made by Spremont, and of his own materials, were alleged by
Thomas to have been sold to him by Spremont; but although the books
of the concern were kept by Thomas himself, no entry of such sale and
purchase was to be found. There were also cross actions. The action was
first heard in Michaelmas Term, 1770, and lasted until Hilary Term,
1772. Evidence was given that the articles demanded of Burnsall were
made of Mr. Spremont’s materials, and at his manufactory; that Mr.
Spremont never sold them to Thomas, and that they were found in rooms
lately belonging to the factory, and were therefore included in Mr.
Duesbury’s purchase by the formal words. Mr. Spremont, whose health had
been gradually failing, died while the action was going on, in June,
1771, and in the end the defendant Burnsall’s counsel, representing
to the court “Mrs. Thomas’s situation in a madhouse, and four small
children, and the attorney swearing that there was nothing else for to
support them, the court would not let us keep the action at law any
longer in court, so we must pay the costs.” The action thus came to an
end, and Burnsall immediately announced a sale of china, “in which are
some capital pieces of Chelsea porcelain”--a part, doubtless, of the
disputed goods.
Under Mr. Duesbury, the manager of the Chelsea works, was Richard
Barton (a modeller and general workman); and the “weekly bills” of
wages and disbursements, now in my possession, as made out by him, are
highly interesting and valuable, as showing the kind of articles then
made at Chelsea, the names of the workmen and painters, and the amounts
earned by each from week to week. These bills commence in March, 1770,
and run over the next three or more years. The final destruction of
the works is carefully described in some excellent letters, also in my
possession, to which I shall refer later on.
From these “weekly bills” I have selected some items which are of more
than passing interest, and which tend, more materially than other
information can, to throw light on the Chelsea works at this particular
period--a period, it must be borne in mind, _later_ than that
at which the works are generally said to have been discontinued. It
must be remembered that, until my account of the “Derby China Works”
appeared in the columns of the _Art-Journal_, in 1862, nothing
had ever been known of the connection of Duesbury with the concern.
The information I there gave of his purchase of the Chelsea factory
was new; and upon what I then wrote every later account of the Chelsea
works has been founded. The works were till then generally believed to
have been discontinued in 1765, but I have been enabled to show that
they were not finally given up until 1784, when the kilns were taken
down.
In June, 1776, her Majesty Queen Charlotte paid a visit to Duesbury’s
London Show Rooms in Bedford Street, Covent Garden, and was shown
through by his agent, Mr. Wood. The following is an account of the
event:--
“On Friday last _her Majesty_ accompany’d with the Dutchess of
Ancaster was pleased to honor with her presence Mr. Duesburys
Ware Rooms in Bedford Street, Covent Garden, condescended to
express great approbation at those beautiful articles of Derby
and Chelsea porcelain, and patronize and encourage the same by
making some purchases.”
The “weekly bills” of the Chelsea China Works, in my own possession,
are very carefully prepared, and give the names and salaries of the
workmen employed, as well as the kinds of goods they were engaged in
making. They are thus particularly interesting and important, and are
calculated to throw no little light on the history of the works. I
quote two weeks in full, May 12th to 19th, 1770; and March 16th to
23rd, 1771, as examples of the style of these “weekly bills;” and I
have added to these some few extracts, to show the kind of ware then
being made, and the prices which the workmen received for painting, &c.
1770. _A Weekly Bill at Chelsea from May the 12 to the 19._
£ _s._ _d._
Barton, 6 days at 3_s._ 6_d._ 1 1 0
Boyer, 6 days at 3_s._ 6_d._ 1 1 0
Seals, made overtime, 6 cocks 0 0 7
3 Dozen Cupid crying by a Urn 0 3 6
1 Dozen and 6 fine Gentle Man
with a Muff 0 1 9
1 Dozen and 6 Shephard
Sheering of Sheep 0 1 9
6 Arliquens 0 0 7
Roberts, 6¾ days at 2_s._ 6_d._ 0 16 10½
Piggot, 7 days at 1_s._ 9_d._ 0 12 3
Ditto, Taking Care of the
horse on Sunday[59] 0 1 6
Inglefield, 7 days at 1_s._ 8_d._ 0 11 8
Bleeding of the horse, and a
Broom and Soap 0 1 0
-------
_Exd. and Entd._ £4 13 5½
Recd. of Mr. Duesbury in full of all Demands for Self and the a Bove.
RICHD. BARTON.
_Work done this Week (May 12 to 19, 1770) at Chelsea, by Barton,
Boyer, &cc._
Reparing 4 figures in Clay to go to Darby.
Making 1 Ornament Beaker.
Dry rubbing the 2 Large Jarrs, helping at the Kiln, &cc.
Making Jarr for Perfume on 4 feet. Mending the 2 Large Quarters
of the World, and helping at the Kiln, &cc. Roberts at Case
making, and working in the Kiln, &cc. Piggot working in the Mill
and helping at the Kiln, &cc.
Inglefield Cutting Wood, Case making, and helping at the Kiln.
1771. _A Weekly Bill at Chelsea from March the 16 to the 23._
£ _s._ _d._
Boarman, 6 days at 5_s._ 3_d._ 1 11 6
Wollams, 6 days at 4_s._ 6_d._ 1 7 0
Snowden, 6 days at 3_s._ 6_d._ 1 1 0
Jinks, 6 days at 3_s._ 6_d._ 1 1 0
Boyer, 6 days at 3_s._ 6_d._ 1 1 0
Barton, 6 days at 3_s._ 6_d._ 1 1 0
Piggot, 6 days at 1_s._ 9_d._ 0 10 6
Ditto Sunday, Teaking care of
the Horse 0 1 6
CHASING AND POLISHING:
2 Double handle Cups and
Covers at 1_s._ 4_d._ each 0 2 8
3 Ditto and Ditto at 1_s._ 2_d._ each 0 3 6
2 four Scallop’d Jarrs
at 2_s._ 3_d._ each 0 4 6
3 Large Pieces of the Crimson
Service at 2_s._ 3_d._ each 0 6 9
POLISHING ONLY:
4 Row Waggons at 0_s._ 9_d._ each 0 3 0
2 Small Perfume Potts
at 1_s._ 6_d._ each 0 3 0
3 Ornamental Perfume Potts
at 1_s._ 0_d._ each 0 3 0
2 Jonquill Jarrs at 1_s._ 9_d._ each 0 3 6
1 Egg shaped Jarr 0 2 0
1 Small Jarr 0 0 4
_Exd. and Entd._ £9 6 9
Recd. of Mr. Duesbury in full of all Demands for Self and the
a Bove.
RICHD. BARTON.
From these “weekly bills,” of different dates from 1770 to 1773, I make
the following extracts for the purpose of showing collectors the period
to which they may safely attribute the manufacture of such specimens
as may be in their possession. The extracts are from the “overtime”
made by the hands, and are taken hap-hazard, and without any attempt
whatever at classification.
£ _s._ _d._
Seals, 2 dozen of Tom-tits 0 2 4
3 dozen of Ouls Crests 0 3 6
2 dozen of Indian Boys with
Handscreen 0 2 4
Seals, 3 dozen Bull finches 0 3 6
2 dozen of Parrotts 0 2 4
1 dozen fine Gentle Man with
a Muff 0 1 2
2 dozen and 6 Cocks 0 2 11
2 Vincent Perfume Potts 0 3 0
Jarr, with Globe Cover 0 1 0
1 Junquill Beaker, with ornament
handles 0 2 6
3 Hart Shape Perfume Potts,
with handles 0 3 9
2 Perfume Potts, Royhal Pattern
0 1 6
1 dozen Seals, Cupid as a
Letter Carrear 0 1 2
1 dozen and 6 Boys a drumming 0 1 9
1 dozen and 6 Cupid as Doctor 0 1 9
3 dozen Perimeds 0 3 6
1 dozen and 6 Chinease Men
a smoking 0 1 9
1 dozen and 6 Cupids with a
Nett 0 1 9
3 dozen Seals, Chinease Men
with a Burd 0 3 6
3 dozen Cupid as a Backus 0 3 6
Seals, 5 dozen Swallows 0 5 10
Seals, 3 dozen Arliquens 0 2 4
1 dozen and 6 Shepherds
Shearing of Sheep 0 1 6
1 dozen and 6 Cupids Booted
and Spur’d 0 1 9
1 dozen and 6 Harts on a
Cushion 0 1 9
1 dozen and 6 Turks a Smoakin 0 1 9
Seals, 6 dozen Birds 0 7 0
Jinks overtime for painting 3
dozen of Tom tits, at 1½_d._
each 0 4 6
5 Sweet Meat Basins, at 1_s._
each 0 5 0
30 Seals painted in Mottowes,
by Boarman and Wollams 0 3 1½
34 Figure Seals, painted by
Jinks, at 2_d._ each 0 5 8
Paid (carriage) for the plaster
Mould from Darby 0 0 6
Painting Smelling bottles,
overwork, viz:--
2 boys catching a Squrel, at
1_s._ 3_d._ 0 2 6
2 ditto with a Birds nest, at
1_s._ each 0 2 0
1 ditto piping with a Dog, at
1_s._ 0 1 0
1 ditto Double Dove 0 1 0
Modling of a Pedestol 0 14 0
21 Snuff boxes of Cupid and
Lamb 1 4 6
1 Cupid forgin Harts 0 1 3
12 Tooth picks, with Head of
Turk, and companions 0 18 0
23 Seals painted, overtime, by
Jinks 0 2 10½
10 Plates, at 1_s._ 6_d._ each 0 15 0
6 Large Pieces, at 2_s._ 3_d._
each 0 13 6
A Junquill Beaker, overtime,
by Barton 0 2 0
Overtime, by Boyer & Barton,
2 Junquills Beakers 0 4 0
Pollishing and Cheasing 24
Pleats and 20 Compots, at
3_d._ each, Boyer, Jinks, &c. 0 11 0
To Modling of a Pedestol 0 14 0
Overwork, by Boyer & Barton,
8 Sweet Meat Basons 0 5 0
Mottoing 60 Seals, at 1¼_d._
each 0 6 3
18 figuar Seals, painted by
Jinks 0 3 0
Paid (Carriage) for the Plaister
Mould from Darby, the 9 of
August 0 0 6
1 Vincent pattern Perfume
Pot (painting) 0 1 6
33 Cocks, painted, overtime,
by Jinks, at 1½_d._ each 0 4 1½
Wolliams, Painting Mottows
to 46 Seals 0 5 0
18 Doves painted, overtime,
at 1_s._ and 2_d._ each 1 1 0
5 Royal Pattern Perfume Pots 0 3 3
49 Painted Seals, Overtime,
by Jinks 0 6 0½
Cheasing and Pollishing of 20
Pleats at 1_s._ 6_d._ each 1 10 0
Polishing 6 Perfume Pots at
1_s._ 6_d._ 0 9 0
Mr. Woolams & Boremans
Expenses on Saturday the 9
of March, 1771. Taking
pattrons at Mr. Morgans 0 2 0
84 Seals, Painted, Overtime,
by Boyer & Co. 0 14 0
96 Thimbles, Painted, Overtime,
by Boarman & Co. 0 12 0
Over Work by Jinks, Boyer,
Snowdon & Co., Pollishing
and Chasing 2 Three turn^d
Vauses, 1_s._ 4_d._ 6 Crimson
& Gould Tea Saucers, 4_s._ 0_d._
5 Cups & Saucers with
Medalions, 6_s._ 3_d._
2 Large Jars French Pattern,
Pollishing & Cheasing 0 9 0
2 Less ditto 0 3 6
2 small Goat head Vauses
ditto 0 3 4
4 Butter Tubs and Stands 0 5 4
16 Cupid & Lamb Snuff
Boxes, Painted 1_s._ 2_d._
each 1 1 0
To painting of Mottos to 90
Seals, by Wollams & Co. 0 9 4½
Painting 1 Cupid forgin Harts
at 1_s._ 3_d._ 0 1 3
1 Ditto Booted & Spurd 0 1 0
2 Bird Catchers at 1_s._ 3_d._
each 0 2 6
12 Tooth Picks, with head of
turk and Companions with
Emblamatick ditto 0 18 0
Plaister 0 3 11
Barton, Modling 2 Small Antiquit
Vauses 1 1 0
Seals made, overtime, 6 Cocks 0 0 7
3 Dozen Cupid Crying by a
Urn 0 3 6
1 Dozen & 6 fine Gentle Man
with a muff 0 1 9
1 Dozen & 6 Shephard Shearing
of Sheep 0 1 9
6 Arliquens 0 0 7
4 Liqer Bottles at 1_s._ each 0 4 0
4 Globe Cover Jarrs att 1_s._
each 0 4 0
31 Seals, Indian, Painted by
Jinks 0 5 2
The Mottoes don to 36 Seals,
By Boardman & Wolliams 0 3 9
8 Hart Shape Perfume Pots
with handles at 1_s._ 3_d._
each(overwork by Barton &
Boyer) 0 10 0
3 Dozen of Seals of the Lambs,
made overtime 0 3 6
3 Dozen of Lyons, ditto 0 3 6
24 Double Doves Snuff Boxis,
Painted overtime, at 1_s._
and 2_d._ each 1 8 0
P^d for Siver (silver) paper
for Chelsea 0 4 6
P^d Porterage of Wt Lead 0 2 6
P^d Coach Hire with the
Attorney to Mr. Spremont
and Chelsea 0 7 6
Gold Writing Peaper 0 0 8
Gum for the Gold 0 0 3
a Almanack 0 0 6
Modling Clay 0 0 6
Bone Ashes to Derby 4 5 6
2 Tons of fine Clay Shipping
to Darby 2 7 0
Plaster to Mould the Jarr 0 1 8
Cord for the Kilns (cord wood) 1 17 4
3 baggs of Plaister 0 3 0
100 Loads of Billet at 7_s._
9_d._ per Load 38 15 0
(“Billets” _i.e._ Wood, for
firing the kilns.)
Painting 96 Thimbles 0 12 0
2 Three-turn Vauses --
2 Row Wagon in figures 1 10 0
Mr. O’Neil, on account, a
Painter 1 1 0
I give entire some few other of the weekly statements of “Work Don
at Chelsea by Barton, Boyer, &c.,” the painters, Boreman, Wollams,
Snowden, and Jinks, not being included.
1770. _April 7 to 14. Work Don at Chelsea by Barton & Boyer._
3 hantike Perfume Vauses with handles.
4 Oval Jarrs and Covers with Ornement^d handles.
4 hantike Bottles with handles.
2 Scollopt Bottles with handles.
2 hantike Perfume Vauses.
Roberts, making cases.
Piggot, making Cases and Grinding of the Clay.
Inglefield making Cases and Cutting of wood.
1770. _June 16 to 23._
Making of Pidgeon house Perfume Pot and Glasing of the Work for
the Glase killn.
Roberts, Glasing of the Cases and Reparing of the Glasd work.
Piggot, making of Tryhangles for the Work to be Plasd on in the
Glasd kiln and Making of Cases.
Inglefield, getting of the Work Ready to be Glasd & Cutting of
Wood.
_July 7 to 14._
Barton, Glasing of the Work, &c.
Boyer, Reparing of the Glasd Work, &c.
Roberts, Setting of the Glase kiln and Burning of it.
Piggot, Working of the Clay ingin and Clearing of the Bisket
Work and Case Making.
Inglefield, Cutting Wood and Case Making and Clearing of the
Ware.
_July 21 to 28._
Barton, Reparing of the Glaze Work.
Boyer, Laying on of Safer.
Roberts, Getting of the Glaze Cases ready for the Kiln.
Piggot, Grinding of Case Clay and Making of Cases.
Inglefield, ditto, and Glazeinge of Cases.
_August 11 to 18._
Barton, Reparing of the Glasd Work.
Boyer, Laying on of Sapher (this is zaffer, the blue that was
used).
Roberts, setting the Glass kiln (Glaze kiln).
Piggot, making of Cases and working the Mill (the “Cases” were
the Saggers).
Inglefield, ditto.
1770. _Augt. 25 to Sep. 1._
Barton, Dickorating Sum of the Perfume Pots and Making of 1
Perfume Pot a figuar and Oiling of the Moulds of the Burst
(bust) for Casting.
Boyer, 1 Perfume Vause & 2 Large Ornement Beakers, 5 Covers, &c.
Roberts, at Case Making.
Piggot, Grinding of Case Clay and Working the Brusers, &c.
Inglefield, Cutting of Wood.
In the “weekly bill” on the same paper are the following entries
relating to the “bust.” It would be highly interesting to know
_what_ bust is meant.
£ _s._ _d._
Oil for the Mould of the Burst 0 0 7
for a Pedistol to ditto 0 1 6
Plaister to Cast ditto 0 7 6
_Sep. 8 to 15._
Barton, Making of 1 Jarr with a Dog and Rabits, and flowering of
them. Casting of one Bust in Plaister and Barbing of 2 of ditto.
Boyer, 4 Ornement Jarr and 6 Plain Jarrs with ornement handles.
Roberts, a Case Making & Making of Tiles and Bricks.
Piggot, Cleaning of Flint, Treading of Clay.
Inglefield, Cutting of Wood and helping at the Cases.
_Sep. 22 to 29._
Barton, making 5 Cup Vauses, &c.
Boyer, Making of 3 Season Vauses, Cleaning of the Gallory, &c.
Roberts, Making Soports for the inhamil kiln and Mending of
ditto, and Burning of the Gleasd Kiln.
Piggot, Cleaning of flint, Bruising Clay, &c.
Inglefield, Cutting of Wood.
_1770. Sep. 15 to 22. Work Don this Week by Barton, Boyer, &cc._
Barton, Barbing of 1 of the Plaister heads & Casting 3
Paddistols for ditto, Making of 2 Antike Vauses with figies & 1
Cup Vause.
Boyer, 2 Ornement Vauses with Chinas figuars, 2 ditto Seasons
Vauses, and Casting the Leaf in a Basket in Wax.
Roberts, making Tiles & Triangles and c.
Piggot, Cleaning of flint, &c.
Inglefield, Cutting of Wood.
From these weekly lists of “work don by Barton, Boyer,” and others, I
add, for the same purpose, the following highly interesting extracts:--
4 hantick Jarr, with heads, wanting to be flowered.
4 ditto, with handles.
1 Bottle, with ornement handles.
48 Compotiers, all made with the Darby Clay.
24 Ornement Plates, made with ditto.
Perfume Jarrs, with handles.
Repairing of Plaister Heads, and greasing of sum Bluework.
Season Vauses.
Season Perfume Jar.
Perfume Pot with Indian figures.
Junquill beaker with stag-head handles.
Ornament Vauses, with Chinease figures.
Cleaning of Flint, Treading of Clay, &c.
A Jarr, with Dog and Rabbits.
Pidgeon House Perfume Pot.
Perfume pots, with boys and girls dancing.
2 Large Vauses, with Venus at her Toylet.
Perfume pots, with 2 Boys.
4 hantike bottles, with handles.
4 Scollopt Bottles, with handles.
2 hantike Perfume Vauses, with 3 goats heads.
24 Strawbery Compoteirs, made with the Darby Clay.
Crimson and Gould Tea Saucers.
6 large ornement Pedistols for the Grand Popore.
5 large Popore Perfume Pots to Ditto.
1 Square Perfume pot, Dickarated with heads of the 4 Seasons.
Hantike Vauses, with 3 figures each.
Making a Large Pedestol for the Quarters of the World.
Making of Clay Sheep, and c, to go to Darby, and helping at the
Kiln, and c c.
Perfume Jar on 4 feet.
Perfume Vause, with 3 children a dauncing.
Making of Lambs, Sheep, Dogs, Calfes, and c c.
Square Perfume Jarr, with Pearc’d Neck and Globe cover.
Mr. Duesbury continued working the manufactory at Chelsea, together
with his large and important works at Derby, until the year 1784, when
he pulled down the buildings, removed all that was useful to Derby, and
so totally put an end to the manufacture of “Chelsea China.” For some
years he had been gradually drafting off the workmen, models, &c., to
Derby, and in the end finally gave up the manufacture at Chelsea, and
continued his works, entire, at their original place, Derby.
It has been said, and generally believed, that the excellence of the
Derby works dates from the time when the Chelsea workmen and the
Chelsea models were brought to it; but this is, undoubtedly, a great
and a grave error. The truth is, the Derby works had risen to such
extreme eminence, and had attained to so high a degree of excellence,
as to more than rival Chelsea, which, in consequence, began to decline.
The successful owner of the Derby establishment was thus enabled to
purchase the Chelsea works, as he also did those of Bow, and to carry
them on, as long as he considered advisable, conjointly.
I am enabled to give copies of two letters now in my possession,
describing the taking down of the buildings, the removal of some of
the kilns to Derby, and the arrangement made with the old and faithful
workman, Robert Boyer, whose name appears so regularly on the “weekly
bills.” The letters are much decayed and mutilated, but fortunately are
decipherable. They will be read with much gratification by all who take
an interest in the history of Chelsea and its China works.
“_Laurence Strt., Chelsea, Feby. 18th, 1784._
“SIR,--I Wright to Inform yow how we are pretty forward in the
pulling Down of the buildings at Chelsea. I think a little
better than a fortnight they will be all down to the ground
and Cleared of the primeses, wich I shall be glad to my hart,
for I am tired of it. Mr. Lygo[60] says yow would wish to have
the Ion Kiln Cum to Derby. Its hardley worth sending, for the
Corners are a good deail burnt at the Bottom, and the sides are
opend or Drawd so much as 4 or 5 Inches on each side. But if
yow chuse to have it Cum, say how it shall be sent--by Land or
Water, and I will send it. I wish yow will Lett me no if yow
will have the mold of the Large figur of Brittannia sent to the
warehous or Broake. Now, sir, as my time at Chelsea draws nigh
to a conclution, I should beg of yow to Informe me by letter
what yow mean to Imploy me abought at your manufactory, In case
yow & myself should settle on Tirms agreable. Yow now allow me
one Ginue p^r Week, house Rent, and fire; and I dont make aney
Doubght But I shall be found a very Uceful servant to yow if I
Cum, & must beg of Yow to say if 25/- p^r week will be to much
to Give me, and house rent free, as I have always had of yow. I
make no Dought but yow will please to say what yow will allow me
for the Removall of my Famaley. We have 4 children, my wife and
self, wich will Cost a deal of money--and thats an articall wich
is scarce w^{th} mee. I have had severall offers of places’s
since the manufactory has bin pulling Down, but Refus’d them
all, Becaus it would have been Wicked in me to have Left yow in
such a [ ] till I had seen your property Cleared off. If I am
[ ] Constant at the kilns, I must begg Leaf to [ ] at all; But
I have no Objection to fire [ ] aney Rich ware in such a kiln as
I have at [ ]; and if Tirms are such as yow may approve, pleas to
say; but I Due not like to Cum so maney miles from London on an
Uncertinty, therefore it will be nesesary to have articals drawd
for 3, five, or 7 years, as is agreable to yow. I have carrid
Mr. Lygo a bove sixty-six pounds this week, wich I found to be
very seasonable. I was very much shock’d, sir, when I heard yow
had been so Dangeresly Ill, But am happy to find yow are so much
better than yow was, & God send yow may Continue to Gett mending
for the Best. Should I Cum to Derby, I shall bring nothing with
me but my Beds--Land Carridge Cums to a Deal of Money; in short,
my Goods are But old, therefore they shall all be sold.
“I am, with Respects, your Obt. Humb^{le} Servt.,
“ROBT. BOYER.
“Mr. Lygo desir’d me to wright to yow a bought my Cuming down,
wich I should have Done if he had not Desired me.”
To this letter Mr. Duesbury, who bore a most excellent character for
kindness and consideration towards his work-people and servants,
evidently returned a satisfactory and pleasant reply, as is evidenced
by the following letter from Boyer:--
“_Chelsea, March 28th, 1784._
“SIR,--I have your letter of the 24th inst., and am much oblig’d
to yow for all past favours, and am happy in finding that yow
are satisfide with my past Conduct. Now, sir, as yow due agree
to the terms which my letter expresses, and as yow have alway’s
behav’d with a Deal of kindness towards me, I therefore Due
asure yow that while I am with yow, yow shall ever find me a
faithful and honest sarvant, and I further do asure yow that, I
will make my self as sarvicable as it Lays in my power, so that
yow shall have no Reason to find aney fault with me. I make no
doubght but yow will find me very servicable, & will Due every
thing in my power to forward your Bisness. I hope we shall gett
done hear in a short time: the peopl are all busey in getting
their things of the primeses as fast as they possibley Can. I
hope to be Down at Derby with yow in a short Time, as soon as I
can gett my matters a Little to gather. Yow shall have the Ion
Kiln down by the waggon next week w^{th} ought faile. I could
not Lett it Cum this week on account of things I had by me wich
wanted firing that I never had time to fire till this week. The
Lapaderys wheel is packed in a hogshead now at sea, No. 16. Mr.
Lygo has been Taulking w^{th} me a bought the Burnishing: he
complains of its being full of scratches, wich will ever be the
Consequense if your burnishing tools are not kept in good order;
that is to say, Lett them always be kept with a good polish on
them, and then they never will have aney scratches to be seen
on the gold. I wish you will let me no what I shall due with
your 4 Chears, Table, Looking Glass, and Sofee, that is in the
Dining Room at Chelsea. I sopose they may go to the warehouse.
The Liqurs &ca. ought of the seller is gone there ever since a
Little after Christmas.
“I Remain, with Respect, your Obt. Sarvt.,
“R. BOYER.”
In the former of these two letters it will have been observed that
mention is made of a “mould of the large figure of Britannia;” this was
one of the finest figures produced at Chelsea or Derby, and is now of
great rarity.
The “hands” employed at Chelsea, so far as they are entered in these
“weekly bills,” appear to have been as follows. I give their names and
the rates of wages they were receiving:--
Boarman, or Boreman 5_s._ 3_d._ per day.
Wolliams, or Wollams 4_s._ 6_d._ „
Askew 4_s._ 2_d._ „
Jenks, or Jinks 3_s._ 6_d._ „
Snowden 3_s._ 6_d._ „
R. Boyer 3_s._ 6_d._ „
Gauron 8_s._ 9_d._ „
Barton 3_s._ 6_d._ „
Richard Roberts 2_s._ 6_d._ „
Piggot 1_s._ 9_d._ „
And 1/6 for Sunday, for
taking care of the horse.
Thomas 1_s._ 6_d._ „
(Turning the wheel for
a Thrower.)
Inglefield 1_s._ 8_d._ „
During the time the Chelsea and Derby works were carried on conjointly,
the proprietor held periodical sales by Messrs. Christie and Ansell,
“at their Great Room, next Cumberland House, Pall Mall,” and afterwards
“by the Candle,” at his own warehouse, by Mr. William Hunter of New
Bond Street. Of many of these sales (see “Derby” china works) I possess
catalogues--some of them priced; and they are particularly valuable
and interesting as describing the articles made at the period. The
goods offered for sale were evidently the best that were produced, and
many of them are of a most costly and magnificent character. From the
catalogues of 1781 and 1782--three years before the Chelsea works were
taken down--I have selected a few examples:--
An elegant Etruscan-shape Vase, enamel’d in compartments with a
figure of Shenston, and fine blue ground striped with gold.
Six beautiful Caudle Cups, covers and stands enamel’d with
festoons of green husks, garland of coloured flowers, and fine
blue and gold.
One large Flower Pot, green and gold, finely painted in
compartments, with a landscape and figures.
A beautiful large group of the three Virtues, in biscuit.
One group, Jason and Medea before Diana.
One superb and elegant Vase, with therms, beautifully enamel’d
with figures, the three Graces on one side, and a landscape on
the other, in compartments enriched with chased and burnished
gold; and 2 ewer-shaped Vases to match, figure of Virtue on one
side, and Prudence on the other.
One pair of basket-work antique-handle Vases, enamel’d with
figures, Pomona and Prudence on one side, and a landscape on the
other, in compartments gilt to match.
One beautiful large group of 2 Virgins awaking Cupid, in biscuit.
One ditto of two Bacchants dressing Pan with a garland of
flowers.
One large perfume Vase, beautifully painted in figures in
compartments, representing Eneas meeting Venus before he enters
Carthage, richly gilt.
One pair of large Beakers to match, enamel’d in compartments
with figures, on one side Bacchus and Ariadne, and on the other
Venus and Adonis, richly gilt.
A very beautiful Seve pattern compleat Desert Service, enamel’d
with roses, fine mosaic border, richly finished with chased
and burnished gold; consisting of 24 plates, 3 large oblong
compotiers, 2 heart-shaped, 4 round, 4 square, 4 small oblong
ditto, and a pair of cream bowls, covers, stands, and spoons.
One beautiful figure of Shakespear in biscuit, and fine blue and
gold pedestal.
One group of 3 Boys playing at Hazard, and 1 ditto of a galanter
show, in biscuit.
An elegant Stand for different cheeses and butter, enamel’d with
vases and fine mazarine blue and gold (rivitted).
A beautiful large group of 3 Graces and 2 Cupids, supposed to be
crowning her Majesty with garland of flowers, in biscuit.
A pair of uncommonly large octagon jars (near 2 feet high),
decorated with natural flowers, and finely enamel’d with
figures, landscapes, &c., richly ornamented with chased and
burnished gold, the figures representing, a votaress of Bacchus,
and Innocence washing her hands at an altar.
An elegant Seve pattern complete Desert Service, enamel’d
with roses, and a rich mosaic and gold border; consisting of
three dozen plates, 2 large oblong compotiers, 4 round, 2
heart-shaped, 4 large square, 4 small oblong, and 1 large ditto,
with a foot for the centre, and a pair of cream bowls, covers,
stands, and spoons.
One superb and elegant large Vase, with therms, enamel’d in
compartments, with figures of the three Graces, enrich’d with
chased burnish and gold.
One pair of beautiful oval Jars to match; the figures represent
Apollo and Agrippina lamenting over the ashes of Germanicus.
A pair Neptune Head Drinking Mugs, enamel’d and gilt.
A pair Salad Dishes, enamel’d with a group of coloured flowers,
festoons of green husks, and pea-green and gold borders.
Six Egg-Spoons, 6 Asparagus Skewers, and 6 Egg-Cups, blue and
white.
One pair Foxes Heads, for drinking-cups.
A large and elegant Ink-Stand, enamel’d and richly finished with
burnished gold.
A pair of beautiful Caudle Cups, covers and stands peacock
pattern, enamel’d with gold medallions, festoons of green husks,
and richly gilt.
One pair of figures, Shakespear and Milton, in biscuit.
Six Finger Cups and stands, enamel’d with festoons of green
flowers and gold edge.
One pair of elegant small Ice-Pails, for pint bottles, enamel’d
in compartments with figures, fine crimson ground, richly
finished with chased and burnished gold.
One pair of beautiful Cabinet Cups, enamel’d with natural
flowers and gold stripes.
An elegant Punch Jug, or Coffee Pot, enamel’d with flowers, and
fine blue and gold border.
One pair of beautiful Lamps, enamel’d, with vases, and fine blue
and gold.
One superbly elegant large Vase, with therms, beautifully
enamelled in compartments with a landscape, and figures
representing a Roman marriage; and a pair ewer-shape Vases,
enamel’d with figures of Minerva and Juno, fine blue ground,
richly finished with chased and burnished gold.
One pair beautiful Tripods, fine blue and gold.
A beautiful group of 4 Cupids, 1 pair figures, Mars and Venus, 1
pair Baccus and Ariadne, and 2 pair music figures.
A set of 8 Views in Windsor Park, by Mr. Sandby; very fine
impressions in elegant green and gold frames.
A set of 5 superbly elegant Vauses, enamel’d in compartments
with figures and landscapes, gold stripes, richly ornamented
with fine blue and gold; the center vase is enamel’d with a
figure of Mars, the two side pieces with figures of Damon and
Delia, Paris and Œnone, and the two end pieces with a shepherd
and lamb, and shepherdess with a birdcage.
Two pair elegant Rummers, enamel’d with groups of coloured
flowers, and fine blue and gold border.
A beautiful large Vase, with therms, enamel’d in compartments
with a landscape on one side, shepherd with a lamb and
shepherdess with a birdcage on the other side, gold stripes,
richly ornamented with green and gold.
One pair of beautiful Vases to correspond, enamel’d in
compartments with figures of Damon and Delia, Paris and Œnone.
A round Cheese Stand, enamel’d with a vase, fine mazarine blue
border, richly finished, with chased and burnished gold.
A superb and elegant large Vause, with therms, beautifully
enamel’d with figures of Wisdom and Vigilance on one side, and
a landscape on the other; 2 ewer shape ditto to match, enamel’d
with figures of Virtue and Fortitude, in compartments, fine blue
ground, richly finished with chased and burnished gold.
The manufactory was situated in Lawrence Street, Chelsea, at the corner
of Justice Walk, and was held by Mr. Spremont--or, at all events, one
house was--at the yearly rental of £24.
Sept. 5th, 1770. Recd. of Mr. Sproemont, by the Hands of Mr.
Morgan, Twelve Pound for Half a Years Rent, Due for a House
at Chalsa at Lady Day, 1770. I say Recd. by Me, Thos. Bush,
Executor to the late Mr. Chas. Ross, £12.
Several of the adjoining houses are said to have been used as show and
ware rooms; but the whole of the premises have been, of course, rebuilt
many years. In a pleasant gossiping conversation between Nollekins,
the sculptor, and Betew, a friend of Hogarth, related in Smith’s “Life
of Nollekins,” the following allusion to the works and its situation
is made:--“The factory stood just below the bridge, upon the site of
Lord Dartery’s House. ‘My father worked for them at one time,’ said
Nollekins. ‘Yes,’ replied Betew, ‘and Sir James Thornhill designed for
them. Mr. Walpole has at Strawberry Hill half-a-dozen china plates by
Sir James, which he bought at Mr. Hogarth’s sale.[61] Paul Ferg painted
for them. The cunning rogues produced very white and delicate ware,
but then they had their clay from China, which when the Chinese found
out, they would not let the captains have any more for ballast, and the
consequence was that the whole concern failed.’”
It is much to be regretted that no view of the works is known to be in
existence; and their absolute site is not, as far as I am aware, marked
on any plan of the locality.
The following relate to these works, and possess more than a passing
interest:--
_Work Done for the China house By John Sherman._
£ _s._ _d._
To a Strong Double Waterpot 0 5 6
Lighting the Lamp two Quarters 1 1 0
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£1 6 6
Recd. July 14th, 1770, the Contents and all Demands.
_Exd. & Entd._ P^d JOHN SHERMAN.
_Mr. Dewsbury, _To J. Booth & Co._ _Dr._
at Chelsea China house._
1771.
May 3^d To 2 Tons Clay and Shipping off £1 15 0
-----------
Recd. 5th Octor. the above Contents for J. Booth & Co.
J. PROCKTER.
1770. (Carriage.) _s._ _d._
To 10 Bags of Boneash from London 3 0
To 2 Tuns of Clay from ditto 5 0
To 2 Tuns of Clay from London 5 0
Rec^d 7 June 1770 of Mr. William Dewsbury the Sum of four pound
Ten Shillings in full for paint Sent to Chelsea China Work.
Charged to Mr. Cox.
£4--10--0. _Exd. & Entd._ Pd. THOS. COLES.
The body of the Chelsea china is very frequently uneven--_i.e._
it has often the appearance of being unequally mixed. One of its
peculiarities is that it would bear no fresh exposure to the heat
of the kiln, and consequently could not be re-painted and altered.
The second application of heat would most probably end in the entire
cracking and destruction of the piece. The body was not so compact as
the Derby, and of very different general character from Worcester.