CHAPTER IX._The ceramic art of Great Britain from pre-historic times down to the present day, Volume 2 (of 2)

Longton--Sutherland Road Works--Market Street Works--High

Street Works--Park Works--Sheridan Works--Commerce

Street Works--Crown Works--Stafford Street Works--Peel

Pottery--King Street Works--Chancery Lane Works--St.

Mary’s Works--Commerce Street--New Town Pottery--Borough

Pottery--High Street--New Street--Prince of Wales Pottery--High

Street Works--Alma Works--Market Street--Victoria

Works--Stafford Street--Russell Street--Mount Pleasant

Works--High Street--British Anchor Works--Royal Porcelain

Works--Stafford Street--St. Gregory’s Pottery--Gold Street

Works--Wellington Works--St. Martin’s Lane--Heathcote

Works--Green Dock Works--Chadwick Street--Baddeley--Waterloo

Works--Heathcote Road Pottery--Sutherland Potteries--Church

Street--Cornhill Works--Sutherland Works--St. James’s

Place--Daisy Bank--Park Hall Street--Viaduct Works--Beech, King

Street--Anchor Pottery--Dresden Works--Palissy Works--Fenton,

Minerva Works--Victoria Works--Fenton Potteries--Fenton

Pottery--Foley--Old Foley Pottery--Anchor Works--Fenton

Potteries--Lane Delph Pottery--Grosvenor Works--Park

Works--Foley Pottery--Foley Potteries--Foley China Works--King

Street Works--Heath--Bacchus--Meir--Harrison--Martin--Miles

Mason--Whieldon--Wedgwood & Harrison--Turner--Garner--Edwards

--Johnson--Phillips--Bridgwood--Greatbach--Greenwood--

Heathcote, &c.

_Sutherland Road Works._--These works were commenced in 1862 by

Messrs. Adams, Scrivener, & Co. Mr. Scrivener having a few years

afterwards retired from the business, Mr. Adams was joined by Mr. Titus

Hammersley, and the concern was carried on by them under the style of

“Harvey Adams & Co.” until the death of Mr. Hammersley in 1875, when he

was succeeded by his son Mr. George Harris Hammersley; the style of the

firm remaining as before. The productions of the firm comprise china,

semi-china, and fine stoneware. In earthenware--toilet and all the

usual table services and numberless useful articles of the best designs

and highest finish are made. In stoneware--jugs, tea-pots, and other

articles are produced; in these many excellent shapes and designs have

been introduced. In china--tea, breakfast, dinner, dessert, trinket,

toilet, and other services; jugs of various kinds; vases, and an

endless variety of ornamental and highly decorated goods, are made. The

quality of the china is remarkably fine and good, and the glaze of more

than average excellence. The decorations are remarkable for purity of

conception, for admirable arrangement, for manipulative skill, and for

the thorough and perfect artistic feeling which pervades each design.

In tea and breakfast services many novel, but at the same time chastely

beautiful designs, have been introduced by this firm, who have also the

credit of being the first to make and introduce “moustache cups”--an

invention that has become so popular as to be adopted by many other

firms. These services are made by Messrs. Harvey Adams & Co. in every

style, from the simple white and gold (one variety of which, with a

beaded edge, is peculiarly simple and pretty) to the most richly, even

gorgeously painted, gilt, enamelled, and jewelled varieties; in each

of these their productions take rank with those of any other house. In

some services, both tea and dessert, what may be called an _ormolu_

decoration has been introduced with as good effect by this firm as by

any other. It gives a richness and a solidity to the patterns which

could not otherwise be easily obtained. The jewelling--especially the

pearl borders--is admirably executed, and with marked effect. Two

important features in the productions of these works--which, from first

being confined to the medium quality of common china, have gradually

progressed to the present time, when they rank among the highest and

best in the district--are, the introduction of silver both as a ground

and as a heightening, and of embossed leaf decoration of a peculiar and

artistic character. In like manner with gold, the silver is introduced

both dead and burnished, and forms a pleasing and marvellously rich

combination with gold and colour. It is introduced on tea services in

bands upon wreaths of flowers, and other decorations are painted with

marked effect. One of the finest and most chastely beautiful of the

ceramic productions of this or any other age or country is an open-work

plate in which solid silver forms the ground for the centre. On this

silver ground is painted, with all the skill that art is capable of, a

group of flowers as true to nature as if pencilled by nature herself;

the richness and delicacy of the colouring are “thrown up” and a finer

and more exquisitely beautiful effect produced by this ground than

could by any other means have been effected. The open-work rim, with

its interlaced ribbon, and the whole of the subordinate decorations,

are in excellent keeping and harmony with the central group.

In leaf-decoration Messrs. Harvey Adams & Co. have, with good taste,

introduced “shamrock” tea and breakfast sets, which have become

deservedly popular; embossed foliage dessert services; and fern and

foliage tea and dessert services and vases, and other ornamental

articles, all of which they have very wisely registered. These services

consist of upwards of fifty arranged groups of leaves of trees and

arrangements of ferns in relief, the whole of which have been modelled

from specimens obtained from the gardens of his Grace the Duke of

Sutherland, at Trentham Hall. These are painted both in the spring,

summer, and autumnal tints, with such scrupulous nicety, and so true

to nature, that it is next to impossible to fancy it is not the leaf

itself that lies on the plate.

The firm have more recently extended embossed relief by the

introduction of the primrose on tea, breakfast, and dessert services.

The leaves and flowers of the primrose are in relief, and are

beautifully painted and tinted from nature; they are also finished in

various styles, but always in strict accordance with the simplicity

of the original design. Messrs. Harvey Adams & Co. have also entered

very largely into the work of ornamental flowering in relief _à

la_ Dresden, and have brought out a number of good shapes in

vases, jardinières, and other articles, with flowers and plants

modelled on the ware, and painted true to nature. In this and in

other departments of the art-manufactory they secured the services of

several well-known artists; among them Mr. Henry Mitchell, medallist

of the Paris and Vienna Exhibitions, celebrated as an animal,

landscape, and figure painter, and whose works are remarkable for

their finish, their modelling, and their delicacy of treatment, and

whose greys and flesh tints are of peculiar purity and beauty; Mr.

Swan, and Mr. Longmore--the former a clever flower painter, and the

latter highly skilled in his artistic treatment of birds. The firm

has recently brought out in great variety a series of designs of

the Chinese, Japanese, and Persian style, consisting of figure and

floral decoration, and have adapted them to tea, breakfast, dessert,

and ornamental goods--the cobalt blue, introduced largely in these

patterns, being of a specially pure and rich colour; and while many

of these are for the general buyer, a very large number are of a high

class character. In these Mr. Slater, the art manager, has happily

realised the full force of the special characteristics of this ancient

style of art, and produced admirable works. Some of his plaques, which

are admirably drawn and exquisitely coloured, evince much force, and

show that he has thoroughly studied the works of these countries, and

is acquainted with the peculiarities of their gems of art.

The general art director of the works (which employ nearly seventy

artists, gilders, &c.) is Mr. Harvey Adams, to whose pure taste and

artistic judgment their high state of excellence is to be attributed;

the principal modeller being Mr. W. M. Clowes.

* * * * *

[Illustration: Figs. 620 and 621.]

[Illustration: Figs. 622 and 623.]

_Market Street Works._--These are said to be the oldest works

in Longton--the first there established--and to be contemporaneous

with those of Wedgwood at Etruria. They were originally carried on

by Cyples, afterwards by Cyples & Barker, who were succeeded by Mr.

Thomas Barlow. For many years Egyptian black and other tinted bodies

only were made, but these were of a fine and very superior character.

Lustre wares were also produced, and some of these were marked with

a large letter B impressed in the body. Later on china for foreign

markets was produced of good average quality, both in body and glaze.

Within the past few years the present proprietor, Mr. Thomas Barlow,

has successfully turned his attention to the production of the more

costly classes of decorated goods for the home markets, and in these

he now vies in excellency of body and glaze, and in purity and beauty

of design and decoration, with most other houses in the trade. In 1871

Mr. Barlow exhibited some of his productions, which attracted much

attention. Some of these are engraved on Figs. 632 to 643, and consist

of a selection of cups, saucers, and dessert-plates of remarkably

chaste and elegant design. The productions of these works consist

of tea, breakfast, dessert, and déjeuner services, and a number of

ornamental articles, in every style of decoration. The whole evidences

a purity of taste, a delicacy of finish, a chasteness of form, and

a harmony of colouring, in the highest degree creditable to the

proprietor. Many of Mr. Barlow’s designs and patterns are original and

worthy of high commendation. Mr. T. W. Barlow produces earthenware in

all the usual varieties at Coronation Works in Commerce Street.

* * * * *

_High Street Works._--This manufactory, formerly belonging to the

Bridgwoods, and next to Cyples & Ball, has, since 1842, been carried on

by Messrs. Adams & Cooper. Formerly Egyptian black, brown, and lustre

wares, as well as china, were made, but china is now its exclusive

product; it is made both for home and foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Park Works, High Street._--Messrs. Charles Allerton & Sons here

manufacture both earthenware and china in the usual varieties, as well

as gold and silver lustre wares, both for home markets and export. The

works were established in 1831.

* * * * *

[Illustration: Figs. 624 to 631.--Barlow’s Tea Services.]

_Sheridan Works._--Built in 1858 by the late Mr. John Sheridan, the

works passed, in 1866, into the hands of Messrs. George Edwards & Co.,

and are now carried on by Mr. Edwards alone. About 1840 the business

of the present proprietor was commenced in Market Street, Longton, on

premises partly now occupied by Lloyd’s Bank, by Messrs. Thomas Cope

and James Edwards, and after the death of the former, was continued by

the late Mr. Edwards, who died in 1873 at the age of seventy-nine; the

present proprietor being his youngest son. The productions are china

tea, breakfast, and dessert services, both plain white and in every

style of decoration, both for the home and foreign markets. Among

the specialities are small cans and saucers richly and elaborately

decorated in gold and colours, in “Japan work,” for Morocco, Gibraltar,

and the Turkish markets, and tea-sets, tea-jars, kettles, &c.,

decorated in an immense variety of patterns, in imitation of ancient

Japanese examples, for the Dutch trade.

* * * * *

_Commerce Street._--Messrs. H. Aynsley & Co. manufacture all the usual

varieties of lustre, Egyptian black, drab, turquoise, and painted

wares, as well as stoneware mortars, &c. The works were originally

carried on by Wooley, and afterwards by Robinson & Chetham. After

remaining for half a century in the family of Chetham they passed a

few years ago into the hands of their present proprietors. China of

superior character is made at Mr. John Aynsley’s manufactory in the

Sutherland Road.

* * * * *

_Crown Works._--Messrs. Collingwood & Greatbach manufacture china

services, &c., of the commoner classes. The works were formerly carried

on by Anderson & Bellamy.

* * * * *

_Crown Works, Stafford Street._--Mr. John Tams manufactures the usual

classes of earthenware.

* * * * *

_Stafford Street Works._--These works, amongst the oldest in Longton,

were built, in 1799, by Messrs. John & Charles Harvey, and carried on

by them for some years, and were succeeded by Messrs. Hulme & Hawley,

from whom they repassed into the hands of the former family, being

carried on by Messrs. Charles & W. K. Harvey, sons of Mr. Charles

Harvey of the original firm. In 1841 these gentlemen worked three

manufactories in Longton. In 1853 Messrs. C. & W. K. Harvey were

succeeded by the present proprietors, Messrs. Holland & Green, by whom

the premises have been considerably extended. By the first two firms

common and useful earthenware was made, and these were continued by

C. & W. K. Harvey, who added china to the productions, and also, to a

large extent, gold lustre ware. Later on these were discontinued, and

the firm devoted themselves to printed goods and white granite ware,

chiefly for the North American markets. These were continued solely

by the present firm, until 1862, when Messrs. Holland & Green turned

their attention to the South American markets, which they now largely

supply. They established, a house abroad, and succeeded in introducing

a superior class--similar to those for the home trade, consisting

of printed and enamelled services, &c. This supply of an improved

class of patterns has produced an increased demand, and one that must

ultimately have a marked effect on the American trade. Messrs. H. &

G. also supply the home and Continental markets with all the usual

varieties of printed, enamelled, and gilt dinner, tea, and toilet

services, &c. The quality of the body is good, and the enamelling,

gilding, and other decorations, excellent. Many of the patterns are

rich and elegant, and all are carefully finished. Notably among these

are their new registered “bracelet” pattern, and a remarkably elegant

form for covered dishes. The gilding is of high character. They also

make sanitary ware. The works, as they have now been reconstructed,

are built on the most modern principles, and fitted with machinery for

turning jiggers and wheels, and also for preparing the clay. The mark

is the name of the pattern or body, the royal arms, and the name or

initials of the firm.

[Illustration: IRONSTONE.

HOLLAND & GREEN.

REGINA

H. & G.

Figs. 632 and 633.]

The toilet services produced by this firm are of superior quality; the

ground colours, rose-du-barry, Brunswick green, &c., of great clearness

and beauty, and the gilding rich and elaborate.

* * * * *

_Peel Pottery._--These works, originally belonging to Mr. Stirrup,

passed successively into the hands of Messrs. Bell, Deakin, & Procter;

Mr. Deakin; Messrs. Webb & Walters; and Messrs. Webb & Co. From the

last named they passed into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr.

John Green. The first three firms originally produced common classes

of earthenware. China was added by Messrs. Webb & Walters, and is now

alone made. Mr. Green produces china of more than average excellence in

body and of various styles of decoration, chiefly for the home trade; a

fair proportion, however, being exported. Many are richly gilt, and the

floral and other decorations carefully painted.

* * * * *

_King Street and Market Street._--At these works, which have been

established half a century, Mr. John Lockett manufactures all the usual

varieties of earthenware, china, stoneware, lustre, Egyptian black,

drab, and other wares, both for the home and export markets. In 1862 he

produced some special examples for the exhibition of that year; these

are shown in the accompanying group.

[Illustration: Figs. 634 to 639.]

* * * * *

_Chancery Lane._--Messrs. Taylor, Hudson, & Middleton here produce all

the ordinary varieties of china ware.

* * * * *

_High Street._--Established about 1840, by Mr. Thomas Cooper, these

works were afterwards carried on by Keeling, Walker, & Cooper, and

Keeling & Walker, the latter of whom, Mr. John Walker, is now the sole

proprietor. He manufactures the ordinary classes of earthenware, gold

and silver lustre, figures, &c.

* * * * *

_St. Mary’s Works, Mount Pleasant._--This manufactory was carried on

from 1830 till 1852 by Messrs. Moore & Hamilton, and so continued

until 1859, when Mr. Samuel Moore became sole owner. In 1862 he built

the present manufactory, and in 1870 was succeeded by his two sons,

Bernard and Samuel Moore, who from that time have carried on the

business under the style of “Moore Brothers.” The productions have,

from the first, been china of a good marketable quality, in which

all the usual breakfast, tea, dinner, dessert, déjeuner, and other

services, more or less decorated, are made; but in addition to this,

attention has been given with marked success to the development of

the strictly ornamental departments. A camel teapot--the Arab tying

on the bale forming an excellent handle, and the neck and head of the

camel an admirable spout--is a well-conceived design, and is powerfully

and cleverly modelled. For table decoration, the firm produces many

good designs. Notably among these is a group of three well-modelled

Cupids (two of whom are carrying the third), the upper one of which

bears a turquoise shell, massively gilt inside. It is of very artistic

design, and is well executed. The Persian turquoise glaze made by the

firm is remarkably clear and brilliant in colour and not surpassed

by other houses. In enamelling, Messrs. Moore Brothers have made

much progress, some of their designs in cloissonné enamelling being

highly effective, both in form of vessel and in arrangement of colour.

Notably among these are “pilgrims’ bottles,” the rich and massive

gilding of which throws out and relieves the enamelling in a very

marked and effective manner. In china, and also in majolica, Japanese

reproductions are made; in these the well-known Chinese ruby glaze has

been cleverly imitated; it is rich and full in colour. A turquoise

majolica jardinière, the design being water-lilies, is well designed.

Mirror frames of large size are also a speciality of these works.

Messrs. Moore Brothers’ operations are principally confined to the home

markets, a large proportion of their goods bearing the name of the

dealers, “T. Goode & Co., London.” The mark of the makers is either the

name “MOORE” or “Moore,” impressed on the body of the ware; “_Moore_,”

incised; or “MOORE BROS.,” painted on the surface.

* * * * *

_Commerce Street._--The works, now carried on by Mr. Thomas Walters

(late Walters & Hulse), were, he informs me, established by Messrs.

Riddle & Lightfoot. The productions are china of ordinary quality for

both home and export markets.

* * * * *

_New Town Pottery._--Erected in 1845 by Mr. J. Meakin, who continued

it until 1850, when it passed to Messrs. Stanley & Lambert, who in

1855 were succeeded by Messrs. J. & H. Procter & Co., who produced

common earthenware in the usual cream colour, printed, painted, and

lustred varieties; the mark was a crown upon a ribbon, bearing the

word WARRANTED; over the crown STAFFORDSHIRE, and beneath the ribbon P

for Procter. In 1876 the works passed into the hands of Messrs. Dale,

Page, & Goodwin, of the _Church Street Works_, and are carried on by

them. The _Church Street Works_ were established in the latter half

of last century, and in 1780 were carried on by Mr. John Forrester,

who was succeeded, in 1795, by Messrs. Hilditch & Sons, who in their

productions followed closely in the wake of Josiah Spode and Thomas

Minton; at which time most of the processes here were carried out by

female hands. In 1830 the firm changed to that of “Hilditch & Hopwood,”

who, at the Exhibition of 1851, sent up some notable examples of their

productions, one of which was a dessert service decorated in the

Renaissance style in gold, with landscape and figure vignettes, mainly

illustrative of Scott’s “Marmion;” and they also exhibited some very

successful imitations of Indian china, prepared by them from designs

by Mr. Shorter, of London. The tea services exhibited at the same time

were remarkable for their excellent body, the design and execution of

the painted decoration, the high class of the ground colours, and the

massiveness of the gilding. One example, with raised antique foliage

in gold on the fine old “Derby blue” ground, was especially good;

while the painting of others, with small landscapes in medallions, and

wreaths of flowers, was far beyond average merit. In 1858, on the death

of Mr. William Hopwood, the works were continued by the trustees till

May, 1867, when the business, stock, and plant, including the moulds,

copper-plates, &c., were sold to the present firm of Dale, Page, &

Co., who, as just stated, in 1876 removed to the larger premises

called New Town Works. The productions of the firm consist of all the

usual services in china, and are of a better class than those of many

other houses. In tea and breakfast services the firm is particularly

successful in designs where leaves, accurately copied from nature,

are carelessly thrown on grounds of various tints; the green ground,

with geranium leaves, being especially pleasing. Others with wreaths

of roses on the same ground, and others again closely diapered with

burnished gold, are among their more successful patterns. Others

of their productions are dessert services with fruit, flowers, and

landscapes, and with richly designed festoons, borders, and gilding;

dinner services; richly gilt and enamelled jet ware, &c.

* * * * *

_Borough Pottery._--These extensive works were established in 1869

by Messrs. Cartwright & Edwards. They are very extensive, and are built

as a “model factory” of the present day. The ovens are built on the

down-draught system; the smoke is conveyed to large chimneys (one 50

yards, and the other 26 yards, high), and the enamel and other kilns

all work in the same chimneys. The clay is prepared by machinery--both

the blunging, sifting, and other processes--and the water is taken out

by pressure (a process now generally adopted), so that fuel is entirely

dispensed with except at the engine. All the throwing-wheels and

jiggers are turned by steam power, and the workshops are fitted with

steam drying stoves, so that no fires whatever are used in drying the

goods. The goods produced are the ordinary classes of earthenware.

* * * * *

_High Street._--Messrs. Thomas Birks & Co. manufacture china,

earthenware, and gold and silver lustre of the more ordinary qualities.

* * * * *

_New Street.-_-Messrs. Cooper, Till, & Co. produce both earthenware and

china goods of the more ordinary qualities.

* * * * *

_Prince of Wales Pottery._--These works, in Sutherland Road, were

established by Mr. Benjamin Shirley, of Bangor, in Wales, on the day

of the marriage of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, March 10th, 1863, and

were in honour of that event named the “Prince of Wales’ Works.” They

were carried on for a time by Benjamin Shirley and Walter Freeman,

under the style of “Shirley & Freeman,” late of the Sheridan Works,

and on the death of the former, in 1864, Mr. Titus Hammersley became a

partner with Mr. Freeman. In 1866 Edward Asbury joined the firm, which

was carried on as “Hammersley, Freeman, & Co.” In 1870 Mr. Freeman

retired from the concern, and the style at that time was “Hammersley

& Asbury.” Since the death of Mr. Hammersley, in 1875, the works have

been continued by Mr. Asbury alone, under the style of “Edward Asbury

& Co.” The goods produced are china tea, coffee, dessert, and trinket

services--a special feature, however, being articles bearing local

views in colours, for sale at watering-places--principally for the home

markets, but goods are also shipped to Australia and the United States.

The mark used is the Prince of Wales’ feathers with the letters H. & A.

in a garter, or A. & Co.

* * * * *

_High Street Works._--Mr. Walter Freeman, just spoken of as a

proprietor successively of the “Sheridan” and of the “Prince of

Wales” Works, withdrew from the latter in 1870 and entered on this

manufactory, and in these he competes successfully with many of the

other houses. Mr. Freeman’s productions are confined to china, in which

he produces all the usual tea, breakfast, and dessert services in great

variety of style; trinket sets for toilet, and other articles, both

enamelled, painted, printed, and otherwise decorated: these are made

for the home, American, and Australian markets. The quality of the ware

and the style of decoration are higher than the average.

* * * * *

_New Market Works, Market Street._--These are among the oldest works

in Longton. Half a century or more ago they were occupied by Messrs.

Martin & Cope for the manufacture of lustre ware and china. They were

succeeded by Abel Booth, and after other changes the manufactory came

into the hands of Messrs. Glover, Colclough, & Townsend, who were

extensively engaged for the Eastern markets. From this firm the works

passed to Messrs. Skelson & Plant, and from them to the late Mr. George

Copestake, sen., and from him to Messrs. Radford & Co. The productions

are china tea, breakfast, and dessert services, &c., chiefly for the

home trade.

* * * * *

_Alma Works, High Street._--Messrs. Copestake & Allen produce here the

ordinary services, &c., in china.

* * * * *

_Market Street._--Messrs. Knight & Rowley produce all the usual classes

of china goods in tea, breakfast, and dessert services, &c., for the

home and foreign markets. Many of their shapes and patterns are of

great beauty, and the quality of the body is good; notably among their

shapes for tea services the “Napier” is remarkable for its neatness and

simplicity; it is a great advance on the usual white and gold services.

It was here that the late Mr. Sampson Bridgwood made his first start,

and after noble struggles against adversity laid the foundation of his

ultimate splendid success.

* * * * *

_Victoria Works._--Built by the late Mr. Ralph Shaw about 1828, these

works still remain the property of his executors. About 1853 they

were taken by Mr. Joseph Finney, who still carries on the business.

For the first fifteen years of Mr. Shaw’s working, earthenware was

manufactured, but it was then converted into china works and has so

continued to the present time. The goods produced are the usual classes

of tea, breakfast, and dessert services, and fancy goods of fair

average quality in body and decoration for home and foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Stafford Street._--Mr. James Dawson occupies these works and produces

ordinary earthenware of the usual classes.

* * * * *

_Russell Street._--Mr. William Edwards manufactures ordinary

earthenware.

* * * * *

_Mount Pleasant Works._--Hallam, Johnson, & Co., late Wood & Co.,

manufacture ordinary qualities of china.

* * * * *

_High Street._--Messrs. Richard Hodson & Co., china services of the

ordinary quality.

* * * * *

_British Anchor Works, Anchor Road._--At these works, occupied by Mr.

J. T. Hudden, earthenware only is made.

* * * * *

_Royal Porcelain Works, Forrester Street, Anchor Road_ (Messrs.

Robinson & Chapman).--These works have been built as a “model factory.”

All the throwing-wheels and jiggers are turned by steam power, and

many other operations, which under the old system were done by manual

labour, are here carried on by the aid of steam. China of a superior

quality and style of decoration is produced at these works.

* * * * *

_Stafford Street._--Messrs. Hudson & Son produce ordinary china

services.

* * * * *

_St. Gregory’s Pottery._--These works, in High Street, were

established in 1794 by Mr. G. Barnes, and were successively held by

him and his partner Mr. Wood (under the style of Barnes & Wood), by

Messrs. Wood & Blood, Mr. Chesworth; Messrs. Beardmore & Birks, and Mr.

G. Townsend, from whom they passed in 1864 to Messrs. Tams & Lowe; they

now belong to Mr. William Lowe alone. The goods produced comprise all

the usual varieties of articles in useful ordinary earthenware, and in

china of an average quality. In the former, dinner, tea, toilet, and

other services, &c., are made in white, sponged, printed, ground-laid,

and gilt varieties; in the latter only the ordinary common classes are

made, principally for the home trade. The quality of the body is firm

and good, and the mosaic jugs and tea-pots, mounted and otherwise,

are well formed and decorated. In these and in the reeded turquoise

tea-pots, &c., the ground colours are clear and even. The usual mark in

the common willow pattern is a garter, with the words STAFFORDSHIRE

IMPROVED, enclosing the name of the pattern and the Staffordshire

knot; the ribbon is surmounted by a crown, and beneath are the initials

of the firm, T. & L.

* * * * *

_Gold Street Works, near Stafford Street_ (Barker Brothers).--This

is one of the oldest manufactories in Longton, and it is historically

interesting from the fact of gold lustre having been here first

discovered and applied to decorative purposes. The earthenware here

made is of the ordinary medium quality, both for home and for foreign

markets, including the Cape of Good Hope, Western Africa, Australia,

South America, Turkey, &c. It consists of cream-coloured, white,

fancy-sponged, painted and printed, enamelled and other descriptions,

in toilet, dinner, breakfast and tea services, and other articles.

* * * * *

_Wellington Works._--These works, in Stafford Street, were established

in 1862 by Messrs. G. L. Robinson & W. Cooper, the latter retiring

after a few years in favour of Mr. G. L. Robinson, when the firm

became Robinson & Son. In 1871 Mr. G. L. Robinson retired in favour

of his son Mr. G. A. Robinson, who became a partner, and the firm now

is “Robinson, Repton, & Robinson.” The class of china manufactured is

of the best finished kind, and is suited, in style and decoration,

both for the principal home and foreign markets. The goods principally

produced are tea, breakfast, dessert, and other services; toilet

trinket-ware, vases, centre-pieces, &c., and a large variety of

ornamental china goblets, fruit and other baskets, open-work (or

pierced) comports, moustache cups of the same construction as those

already spoken of, and the general varieties of articles which are

made in this material. The body of Messrs. Robinson’s china is of good

pure quality, and the decoration artistic and clever. Some of the tea

services are peculiarly chaste in design and rich in colouring; and the

gilding, enamelling, and painting are good. The jewelling and embossing

of some of the services, and the happy combinations of colours in

others, combined with careful artistic treatment, show how thoroughly

the designing as well as the manufacturing departments are “managed” by

this enterprising firm.

Messrs. Robinson & Co. at _The Foley_, also produce china of the

usual classes, both for home and export trades.

* * * * *

_St. Martin’s Lane._ (Taylor, Hudson, & Middleton.)--At these works,

which have been established about forty years, a general assortment of

plain and decorated china, in all the various services, is made both

for home and foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Heathcote Works._--Established in 1854 by Messrs. William Brammall

and John Dent, from whom it passed to William Brammall, then to

Messrs. Edwin Brammall and T. S. Repton, and is now carried on by W.

H. Derbyshire & Co. The works are in Heathcote Road. The manufactures

consist of china tea, breakfast, and other services, and all the usual

useful articles in that material suitable for the home trade.

* * * * *

_Green Dock Works._--Messrs. Cooper, Till, & Co. (formerly Hampson

Brothers) manufacture improved stoneware, ordinary earthenwares,

and lustres, for the home, American, Australian, and other markets.

Established in 1846.

* * * * *

_Chadwick Street._--Messrs. Frederick Jones & Co. manufacture

earthenware of the more ordinary class.

* * * * *

_High Street._--Mr. J. L. Johnson produces all the usual services,

&c. in the commoner classes of china.

* * * * *

_Baddeley._--About 1720 William Baddeley (an old name in the district)

commenced making brown ware at Eastwood, Hanley. About 1740, having

invented an “engine-lathe,” he began to make “turned articles in

cane and brown ware. He was succeeded in the pottery by his son,

William Baddeley; his other son, John Baddeley, taking the business

of the lathe making, by which he acquired a competency, and died

in 1841, aged eighty-five.” This second William Baddeley made many

improvements in the ware, and attempted, both by an imitation of

body of his vitreous wares, and by his mark, to palm off some of his

goods as Wedgwood’s. His mark was the word EASTWOOD impressed on the

ware, but he contrived always to have the EAST indistinct and the

WOOD clear (EASTWOOD), thus hoping to catch the unwary by the latter

syllable. He died at an advanced age, and the works at Eastwood having

been sold, his son, William Baddeley, commenced in Queen Street,

Hanley, for the manufacture of terra-cotta articles, and a large

trade was carried on in earthenware knobs for tin and japanned tea

and coffee-pots. He also made fancy pipes, japanned terra cotta, and

other goods. He also, at the Market Lane Works, “was the first to make

telegraph insulators in iron moulds with screw and lever pressure.”

The works were in 1846 removed to Longton (Wharf Street), and here

the manufacture of imitation stag, buck, and buffalo-horn, and bone

handles for knives, forks, &c., for the Sheffield trade, was first

introduced. In this branch “a very good trade was done, but the working

handlers of Sheffield refused to work them up, and threats were sent

to several masters, that if they did not give up the terra-cotta

knife-handle trade, their works would be blown up.” The masters, thus

intimidated, gave up the use of these handles, and on Mr. Baddeley

visiting Sheffield, an attack was made on his life, and letters sent

to him on his return threatening that if he did not give up making

the handles, he and his works “would be done for.” The manufacture

was then discontinued. Mr. Baddeley “invented the thimble placing

rack, now so extensively used; this he sold to Elias Leak, of Longton,

who, in 1856, took out a patent for the invention.” Mr. Baddeley, who

died in 1864, held the St. Martin’s Lane Works, and his widow now

carries on business in Commerce Street. Their son, William Baddeley,

commenced manufacturing in the Normacott Road, in 1862. His productions

were rustic terra-cotta articles for floral, horticultural, useful,

and decorative purposes; the principal articles being fern-stands,

vases, flower-stands, hyacinth-pots, flower-pots, garden-seats,

flower-baskets, mignonette-boxes, crocus-pots, globe-stands, brackets,

inkstands, &c. The designs were all taken from nature, and appropriate

to the intended use of the vessel. His imitations of bark, &c., and of

various woods and plants, were remarkably good.

* * * * *

_Waterloo Works_, Stafford Street. (Brough & Blackhurst).--Built

in 1815, the year of the Battle of Waterloo, and in honour of that

event named the “Waterloo” Works. The date 1815 occurs on one of the

ovens. The manufactory formerly belonged to Messrs. Ratkin & Booth,

who were so justly celebrated for their gold and silver lustre wares.

At these works, which are large and commodious, are produced the

ordinary classes of earthenware suitable both for the home and for

foreign markets, enamelled and gilt services, &c.

* * * * *

_Heathcote Road Pottery._--Messrs I. and H. Procter removed here in

1876 from the New Town Pottery. The productions are common earthenware

in the usual cream colour, printed, painted, and lustred varieties.

The mark is a crown upon a ribbon, bearing the words WARRANTED; over a

crown is STAFFORDSHIRE, and beneath the ribbon P for Procter.

* * * * *

_Sutherland Pottery_, Daisy Bank.--Established in 1870 by Mr. Joseph

Holdcroft, their present proprietor, for the manufacture of majolica,

Parian, and silver lustre ware for the home, continental, South

American, and Australian markets. Mr. Holdcroft, who for eighteen years

was in the employment of Minton & Co., commenced business in another

manufactory in Longton, which he left on the erection of his present

pottery. His majolica productions are of a high class, both in design,

in quality, and in workmanship; a “Wren Vase,” with well-modelled birds

and flowers, is a speciality of his works. His mark is his initials

[symbol] impressed in the ware.

* * * * *

_Church Street._--These works, for the production of Parian, jasper,

and majolica ware, belonging to Mr. G. A. Robinson, were pulled down

in 1876 for town improvements, Mr. Robinson erecting new works in

Sutherland Road.

* * * * *

_Cornhill Works._--Messrs. Poole & Unwin entered on these works, which

had previously been carried on as general earthenware works by others,

in 1871. The productions are middle-class earthenware; stoneware jugs,

&c., chiefly intended for the home market. Gold and silver lustres of

the ordinary kind, and rustic majolica, were also at one time made. The

initials of the firm are [symbol] impressed in the body of the ware.

[Illustration]

* * * * *

_Sutherland Works_, Barker Street.--Established by the present

proprietor, Mr. Sampson Smith, for the production of china, tea,

and other services, silver and gold lustre, and china figures and

ornaments.

* * * * *

_Sutherland Pottery_, Normacott Road.--These works were established by

their present proprietors, Messrs. Skelson & Plant, who were previously

of the New Market Works, Chancery Lane, Longton, and the Heathcote Road

Pottery. They are also proprietors of the _Heathcote Road Pottery_.

These latter were established by Mr. Thomas Beardmore, and much

enlarged by Messrs. Stubbs & Bridgwood, before they came into the hands

of Skelson & Plant. At these works china is made in all the usual

useful services.

* * * * *

_St. James’s Place._--The St. James’s works were established by

William Bradshaw, and afterwards occupied by John Gerard, Jesse Cope &

Co., and Baggaley & Ball. In 1831 they were taken by Robert Gallimore,

who about 1840 was joined in partnership by George Shubotham. In 1842

Mr. Gallimore retired from the concern, and the business was then

continued by George Shubotham and William Webberley, under the style of

“Shubotham & Webberley.” In 1847 Mr. Shubotham died, and the works are

now carried on by Mr. Webberley alone. In 1858 this gentleman purchased

the premises, and soon afterwards pulled down the old buildings and

erected the present commodious “four-oven” manufactory. Originally

lustre ware only was produced, but china was added by Mr. Gallimore.

In 1844 lustre was entirely abandoned, and since that time china alone

has been made. This is produced in all the usual services both for the

home, Dutch, and Australian markets. No mark is used.

* * * * *

_Daisy Bank._--These are among the most historically interesting

works in this immediate locality. They were built in the latter part of

last century by a Mr. Hughes, and passed successively through the firms

of Drury, Ray, & Tideswell, and Ray & Wynne, to Charles James Mason

& Co., who succeeded the latter firm. It was in these works that Mr.

Mason produced his ever famous “Ironstone china,” the firm at that time

being “George Miles Mason and Charles James Mason,” and subsequently

“C. J. Mason” only. The patent taken out by C. J. Mason in 1813 was

for “a process for the improvement of the manufacture of English

porcelain;” the process, according to the specification, consisting

“in using scoria or slag of ironstone pounded and ground in water, in

certain proportions, with flint, Cornwall stone, and clay, and blue

oxide of cobalt;” doubtless, however, this was not correct so far as

the first ingredients are concerned. It should also be added that the

name “Ironstone” was simply a combination of “iron” and “stone,” used

to denote the extreme hardness of the body, as combining the strength

of both. From various causes the manufactory, after some years, became

a commercial failure, though a great artistic and manipulative success;

in 1851 the patent right, moulds, copper-plates, &c. were sold to Mr.

Morley; and in 1853 the lease of the premises was sold to Messrs.

Hulse, Nixon, and Adderley. (For an account of Mason’s ironstone china,

&c. see pages 315, 407, and 408.)

The freehold of the premises was afterwards purchased from John

Edward Heathcote, Esq., by Hulse, Nixon, and Adderley. In 1869 Mr.

Nixon died, and the firm was changed to “Hulse and Adderley,” and so

continued until 1874, when (Mr. Hulse having died in the preceding

year) it was altered to that of “William A. Adderley,” who was the

surviving partner, and is now the sole proprietor of the place. Since

Mason’s time the premises have been very considerably enlarged and

improved. The productions are china and earthenware for the home,

Canadian, West Indian, South American, Australian, New Zealand, and

continental markets, the operations being conducted on a large scale.

No distinctive mark is used.

* * * * *

_Park Hall Street._--Messrs. Daniel Sutherland & Sons entered on

these works in 1863, and they are now carried on by the sons under

the same style. The productions are majolica and Parian of various

qualities. In the former, jugs of an infinite variety of shapes and

patterns; vases, tripods, and flower-holders; Stilton cheese, butter,

and sardine stands and boxes; bread, cheese, and fruit dishes;

water-bottles; tea and coffee-pots; kettles; flower-pots; brackets, and

scent-jars, taper-stands, candlesticks, and other articles are largely

made. In Parian, the firm produces groups, figures, busts, &c., in

considerable variety, as well as all the usual lesser articles, jugs,

brooches, crosses, and trinkets. Stoneware jugs, tea-pots, &c., are

also made. The mark of the firm was formerly S & S, but none

is now used.

* * * * *

_Viaduct Works_, Caroline Street.--Established about 1836. This

manufactory, in 1863, passed into the hands of Cooper, Nixon, &

Co., and next to Cooper and Dethick. They produce plain and printed

earthenware of the ordinary kinds, and drab and other coloured bodies,

both for the home and foreign markets. The mark is the initials of the

firm, C & D.

* * * * *

_High Street and Sutherland Road._--Messrs. James Beech & Co., the

present proprietors, opened those works about 1846. They produce all

the usual tea, breakfast, and dessert services in china of a more than

ordinary quality, and in various styles of decoration. They are also

grinders of flint and stone for the trade.

* * * * *

_King Street._--These works were established in 1875, being opened

on March 25th of that year, by their present proprietors, Messrs.

Bridgett, Bates, & Beech. They manufacture china only, but in this are

produced all the usual services in every variety of style. No mark is

used, but the productions are both for the home and foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Anchor Pottery._--Messrs. Sampson Bridgwood, & Sons, who are

extensive manufacturers, first carried on business in the Market Street

Works, and next for many years at a manufactory in Stafford Street,

originally occupied by G. Forrester, which was purchased by the late

commissioners of Longton, and pulled down for the erection of the

present market buildings. They then removed to their present works,

the “Anchor Pottery,” where they produce both china and earthenware.

In china all the usual tea, breakfast, and dessert services are made,

partly for the home, but principally for the United States and Canadian

markets. In earthenware they produce largely the white granite for the

United States, Australian, and Canadian trade, and they also produce

for the home market. One of their specialities is what is technically

called “Parisian granite” (stamped as “Limoges”), which is of fine

hard durable body and excellent glaze. In this ware, tea, breakfast,

dessert, dinner, and toilet services are largely produced; many are of

excellent design. The marks used are, on china, an impressed stamp of

the name “S. BRIDGWOOD & SON.” The Parisian granite bears the impressed

stamp, an oval, with the word “LIMOGES,” and in the centre

P. G. (for Parisian granite). It also bears the printed mark

of an elaborate shield of arms with mantling, sceptres, &c., and the

words “PORCELAINE OPAQUE,” “BRIDGWOOD & SON.”

* * * * *

_Dresden Works_, Normacott Road, established by Mr. John

Proctor.--These works, after being worked successively by Messrs.

Glover & Colclough, and Messrs. Goodwin & Bullock, came into the hands

of the present firm of Mason, Holt, & Co., in 1858, since which time

they have been much enlarged. All the usual tea, breakfast, dessert,

and other services, in china of excellent commercial quality, are made,

both for home and foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Dresden Works_, Stafford Street.--These works were established by

Mr. John Ferneyhough, and in 1858 passed into the hands of Messrs.

Shelley & Hartshorne, who were succeeded by Messrs. Adams & Scrivener,

who in turn were again succeeded by, in 1866, John Ferneyhough, who

manufactures all the usual varieties of services, &c. in china of good

quality.

* * * * *

_Palissy Works_, Chancery Lane.--These works were erected in 1862,

by Mr. R. H. Grove, for the purpose of decorating, not manufacturing,

china ware. In 1867 he retired, and was succeeded by his son, Mr.

Fredk. Wedgwood Grove, and his partner, Mr. John Stark, who continued

them for decorating purposes alone until 1867, when they commenced

manufacturing, having increased the premises for the purpose, and

erected the necessary kilns and machinery. They manufacture earthenware

only. In this all the usual dinner, dessert, toilet, and other services

and domestic articles are produced, and of all degrees of decoration,

from plain and printed up to enamelled and gilt varieties. Some of

their more beautiful patterns are the “Hindoo,” “Arabesque,” and

“Shell,” and these are made in a variety of styles of more or less

richness in detail. Spirit and wine show-barrels or casks are also

specialities.

* * * * *

_Minerva Works, Fenton._--In 1812 these works were held by Charles

James Mason & Co., the producers of the famous “Patent Ironstone

China” (which see), and from them passed to Messrs. Pratt & Co., who

were succeeded by Mr. Gerard (or Jerrad) and Mr. Richard Hassall.

About 1833 or 1834 Mr. Hassall was joined in partnership by Mr. Thomas

Green (son of Mr. Thomas Green, of the Churchyard Works at Burslem),

of Bank House, Fenton, who produced the common classes of china.

Shortly afterwards, Mr. Hassall retired, and Mr. Green was joined in

partnership by Mr. W. Richards, of Great Fenton, and the business was

continued by “Green & Richards,” until 1847, when the latter withdrew.

The business was then continued by Mr. Thomas Green alone, until his

decease in 1859; from that date to the present time it has been carried

on by his widow, Mrs. Margaret Green, under the trading style of “M.

Green & Co.” under the careful management of her sons. The china made

by the earlier firms was of the commonest kind of blue figured, white

and gold, and lustre wares. During the partnership of Mr. Richards,

a variety of ornaments, small ewers and basins, toy mugs and jugs,

&c., were extensively made; this trade was, however, checked by the

introduction of a similar, but cheaper, class of goods from France.

This had a good effect on the firm, for it induced attention to be

turned to a better class of productions; and this again was more

decisively done in 1851, when goods of a highly creditable character

were made. The present productions of Messrs. M. Green & Co. are china

tea, breakfast, dessert, trinket, and other services; toy sets; jugs,

mugs, feeders, wheel-barrow, and spade salts; and a large variety of

other articles, both for home and foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Victoria Works_, for many years carried on by Mr. S. Ginders, are now

held by Mr. James Reeves, who produces the more ordinary qualities of

earthenware.

* * * * *

_Fenton Potteries._--The goods produced are of the commoner class of

printed, sponged, and pearl-white granite wares suitable for British

North American, United States, West Indian, African, and Indian

markets. None are produced for the home trade. The works are carried

on by Messrs. W. Baker & Co., who were awarded a medal at the Paris

Exhibition.

* * * * *

_Fenton Pottery._--This was established in 1825, by Messrs. C.

J. & G. M. Mason, for the manufacture of their famous “Ironstone

China” ware (which see). “The works of C. J. Mason & Co.,” says Ward,

in 1843, “standing obliquely to two turnpike-roads, and on the line

of the Canal Company’s railway, present an extensive front of four

stories in height, inscribed in large letters ‘Patent Ironstone China

Manufactory.’ For this article of trade, which Messrs. G. & C. J. Mason

introduced some years ago, they obtained extensive public favour, and

an almost exclusive sale, on account of its resemblance to porcelain,

and its very superior hardness and durability.” Messrs. Mason were

succeeded by Mr. Samuel Boyle, from whom the works passed into the

hands of Messrs. E. & C. Challinor, formerly E. Challinor & Co. of

Sandyford and Tunstall, who still carry them on. The goods produced

are white granite, printed, sponged, and common earthenware, for the

American, Australian, and other foreign and colonial markets. In these,

tea, coffee, breakfast, dinner, toilet, and other services, and all

the usual useful articles, are largely produced. The white granite, or

ironstone china, is of good, hard, sound, and durable quality; some of

their most successful embossed patterns being the Ceres or Wheat, the

Garland, and the Vine-leaf patterns. In jugs, Messrs. Challinor produce

the Ceres or Wheat, Paris, Garland, Barberry, Lily, Missouri, Florence,

Versailles, Lotus or Cora, and other shapes, both plain and embossed.

The earthenware is of the ordinary common quality, specially designed

and well adapted for the various markets to which it is sent.

The marks are the Staffordshire knot [symbol] impressed in the ware--

[Illustration:

E & C CHALLINOR

FENTON

E & C CHALLINOR

IRONSTONE

CHINA

E & C CHALLINOR]

within an ornamental border, surmounted by the royal arms, &c., also

impressed in the ware; and the following printed on the surface:--the

royal arms with crown, supporters, motto, &c., and, beneath, a ribbon

with IRONSTONE CHINA, E & C CHALLINOR FENTON; the name of the pattern,

as “Australia,” “Gothic,” “Portland,” &c. within various borders, &c.,

and the name E & C CHALLINOR, or E & C C.

* * * * *

_Old Foley Pottery._--Messrs. Moore & Co., late Samuel Bridgwood,

produce white granite ware, of the ordinary character, for the American

markets.

* * * * *

_Anchor Works_, Market Street.--These works were carried on for some

years by T. and J. Carey, until about 1845, when they came into the

possession of Mr. Ashwell, who occupied them for about thirteen years.

They were afterwards carried on by Mr. W. Green, from whom they passed

to Copestake Brothers, and are now occupied by Mr. George Copestake,

who produces china of the usual varieties for both the home and foreign

markets.

* * * * *

_Fenton Potteries._--These works appear to have been in the hands

of the present firm, Messrs. Pratt, ever since the commencement of

this century. The style of the firm is “F. & R. Pratt & Co.,” and they

produce all the ordinary classes of earthenware goods in services, and

the usual useful and ornamental articles. They are large makers of

“druggists’ sundries,” as that particular branch of trade is described,

for which they are in high repute. Messrs. Pratt also produce a variety

of articles in a peculiarly compact, vitreous terra cotta; the colour

is a good, full, rich red, and the enamel ornamentation is usually

artistically arranged. Another speciality of this firm is under-glaze

colour-printing, for which, and their Etruscan ware, they received

a medal at the 1851 Exhibition. A silver medal was also awarded to

them by the Society of Arts for a pair of the largest Etruscan-style

vases up to that time produced; they were exhibited in 1851, and were

purchased by the Prince Consort.

* * * * *

_Lane Delph Pottery_ (John Pratt & Co.).--These works have been in the

hands of the present firm for above half a century. The goods produced

are earthenware of the ordinary class, chiefly for foreign markets.

* * * * *

_Grosvenor Works_, Foley Place.--The works were established about

1850 by Messrs. Till, Bourne, & Browne, and since their time the

successive changes in the proprietorship have been Bourne & Browne;

Charles Browne, alone; Jackson & Browne; and Jackson & Gosling, by whom

they are now carried on, and who do a large home and foreign trade.

The manufactures are confined to china, in which tea, breakfast, and

dessert services are produced.

* * * * *

_Park Works_, Market Street.--Mr. Ralph Malkin, doubtless a descendant

of the old pottery family of Malkin, manufactures here the ordinary

classes of earthenware goods.

* * * * *

_Foley Pottery._--This is one of the oldest works in the district. It

was originally occupied by Samuel Spode, who lived in a large house

adjoining, which was pulled down some years ago. It was afterwards

occupied by Christopher Bourne. It has been in the possession of the

present occupiers (Messrs. W. Hawley & Co.) since 1842. The productions

are earthenware of the ordinary kind both for home and export markets.

* * * * *

_The Foley Potteries._--These potteries take their name from the Foley

family, who own property in the neighbourhood. They were built by Mr.

John Smith, of Fenton Hall, about 1820, the first firm by whom they

were worked being Messrs. Elkin, Knight, & Bridgwood (who made the

better classes of “Willow pattern,” “Broseley pattern,” and other

blue printed services). On the retirement of the latter the style was

changed to Knight & Elkin, and, subsequently, on the retirement of Mr.

Elkin, the works were carried on by Mr. John King Knight alone, till

1853, when he was joined in partnership by the late Mr. Henry Wileman,

wholesale china dealer, of London, the style being Knight & Wileman. On

the retirement of Mr. Knight, in 1856, Mr. Wileman carried on the works

alone until his death, in 1864, when his two sons succeeded him as J. &

C. Wileman. In 1866 the partnership was dissolved, and from that time

till the present the business has belonged to Mr. James F. Wileman,

the present proprietor. The goods produced are the usual granite ware,

printed wares, lustres, Egyptian and shining black, and cream-coloured

wares. All of these of the ordinary classes for household use, and the

great bulk of the trade are export to the States, Panama, Australia,

South Africa, Ceylon, Java, and India.

* * * * *

_The Foley China Works_ were built in 1860 by the late Mr. Henry

Wileman, the owner of the Foley Potteries. At his death, in 1864,

they were continued by his sons, Messrs. J. & C. Wileman, till 1867,

when the partnership was dissolved, the latter (Mr. C. J. Wileman)

continuing the china, and the former the earthenware works. In 1870 Mr.

C. J. Wileman retired, and his brother then became proprietor of both

manufactories, and shortly afterwards took into partnership Mr. J. B.

Shelley, the firm being styled Wileman & Co. The china produced is of

the ordinary useful class for household purposes.

* * * * *

_King Street Works._--These works were established in the latter

part of last century by Mr. Shelley, who was succeeded by Mr. Marsh,

from whom they passed to Messrs. T. & J. Carey. The productions of

these firms were the ordinary Rockingham ware and common classes of

earthenware; Messrs. Carey also occupying two other manufactories

at Longton. They were next held by a company, and about 1850 passed

into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. John Edwards. The goods

now produced are semi-porcelain and white granite for the American

markets. Until 1856 Mr. Edwards produced china in addition, but this

has since then been discontinued. Mr. Edwards is patentee of a process

for making thimble pins; and he also, in 1859, took out a patent for

“improvements in stacking or holding biscuit, earthen, china, and

glossed ware for firing” by means of “a ring frame or holder, with a

rim or flange projecting inwardly, so as to occupy the whole or part of

the centre of the ring.”

* * * * *

_Heath._--Thomas Heath was a potter in Lane Delph in 1710, and produced

a good hard grey-coloured ware. His three daughters married three

potters, Palmer and Neale, of Hanley, and Pratt of Fenton. Heath was an

enterprising potter, and was successful in making the coated or delft

ware, same as made by Astbury.

* * * * *

_Bacchus._--Thomas Bacchus, who, according to Shaw, married first

a widow named Astbury, manufactured cream-coloured and blue painted

ware; his second wife being a skilled painter, his late productions

were of a more superior character.

* * * * *

_William Meir_ had pot works at Fenton in the middle of last century,

which he rented from Whieldon, as the following entry in his book

shows: “Mr. Wm. Meir, of Fenton Low, for a house and pottworks & 3

small closes, March 25, 1750, a year’s Rent due--£14--10--0.” Whieldon

at that time owned much land about Fenton, and Fenton Hall seems also

to have belonged to him. This he let to Ralph Woolf, at a yearly rental

of £4; the “New House in Lower Lane” being at the same time let to

Thos. Woolf for £2 2_s._ a year. Fenton Hall was afterwards, in 1750,

let at the same rent to Wm. Marsh and Wm. Kent; it was afterwards

divided.

* * * * *

_Harrison._--George Harrison was an earthenware manufacturer in

the latter part of last century. His productions, according to an

invoice of August 20, 1793, consisted of “large and less tureens,”

“sauce tureens,” “root dishes,” “sallad bowls,” and “tureen ladles,”

blue edged; and cream-coloured “ewers.”

* * * * *

_Martin._--Anne Martin (I presume, widow of S. Martin), was a

manufacturer at Lane Delph in 1793. Her productions, as appears from

invoices of hers of that year in my possession, were “variegated

jugs” of different sizes, “blue-gray mugs and jugs,” “hand-basins,”

different sizes, “egg cups,” “pattie pans,” “cups and saucers,” (these

were 10_d._ a dozen!) “sauce boats,” “bottles,” “bowls,” “cowlerd

toys,” “hand bowls,” “dip^d bosed jugs,” “sallad bowls,” “flower pots,”

“stoole pans,” “blue painted mugs and jugs,” “pickel jars,” “table

services,” &c.

* * * * *

_Miles Mason_ was a manufacturer in the latter part of last century.

An invoice of his of 1797 enumerates blue dessert ware sets, each

consisting of “1 centre piece, 4 shells, 2 hearts, 2 cucum. tureens,

dishes & stands, and 24 desert plates;” “melon shapes,” “squares,”

oval and round baking dishes, oval and square salad dishes, “Nankeen

spitting pots,” basins and egg cups. Miles Mason was the father of

George Miles Mason, Charles James Mason, of “Ironstone china” celebrity

(see page 408), and William Mason. The family of Mason was originally

of Westmoreland, where they were tenants of Sir Michael Freeman, of

Rydal Hall. One of the sons went to London and established a shop for

the sale of East India china. He afterwards, I am informed, opened

a manufactory at Liverpool. He then bought land at Fenton from the

Bagnall family, on which he erected the works now occupied by Mrs.

Green, and called the “Minerva Works,” at Fenton. Afterwards he and his

brother built the “Fenton Pottery” (which see), and after some reverses

removed from it to a much smaller and less pretentious manufactory, the

“Daisy Bank Works” (which also see). Miles Mason’s marks were--

[Illustration:

[symbol] MILES MASON. Miles Mason. M. Mason.

M. MASON.]

* * * * *

_Whieldon._--Thomas Whieldon, whose name is more intimately mixed up

with the early development of the potter’s art than that of almost any

other man, was a manufacturer at Little Fenton in the middle of last

century. Spode, Astbury, Garner, Greatbach, Heath, Edge, Marsh, and

many others, were his apprentices or employés, and Josiah Wedgwood,

when quite a young man, and Harrison, were his partners, while his

mottled and other wares were of high character. In 1740 Whieldon’s

works consisted of a small range of low thatched buildings. “His

early productions were knife-hafts for the Sheffield cutlers, and

snuff-boxes for the Birmingham hardwaremen to finish with hoops,

hinges, and springs, which himself usually carried in a basket to the

tradesmen, and, being much like agate, they were greatly in request.

He also made toys and chimney ornaments, coloured in either the clay

state or biscuit by zaffre, manganese, copper, &c., and glazed

with black, red, or white lead. He also made black glazed tea and

coffee-pots, tortoiseshell and melon table plates (with ornamented

edge and six scollops, as in the specimens kept by Andrew Boon, of the

Honeywall, Stoke), and other useful articles. Mr. A. Wood made models

and moulds of these articles; also pickle leaves, crab-stock handles,

and cabbage-leave spouts for tea and coffee-pots, which utensils, with

candlesticks, chocolate-cups, and tea-ware, were much improved, and

his connections extended subsequently, when Mr. J. Wedgwood became

Whieldon’s managing partner. He was a shrewd and careful person. To

prevent his productions being imitated in quality or shape, he always

buried the broken articles, and a few months ago we witnessed the

unexpected exposure of some of these, by some miners attempting to

get marl in the road at Little Fenton. The fortune he acquired by his

industry enabled him to erect a very elegant mansion near Stoke, where

he long enjoyed, in the bosom of his family, the fruits of his early

economy. He was also sheriff of the county in the twenty-sixth year of

the late reign. The benevolence of his disposition, and his integrity,

are honourable traits of character, far superior to the boast of

ancestry without personal merit. Mr. Whieldon lived, I am informed by

Mr. John Ward, in a large house near the lower part of Fenton, called

Whieldon’s Grove; the line of railway passes through the grounds, and a

part of the house is used by the railway company as a store. He died in

1798 at a very old age, and in 1828 his relict was interred beside him

in Stoke churchyard.

In 1749, Thomas Whieldon built an addition to his works, and the

account of the “Expenses of the new end & Seller of the Over

Work-house” are in my own possession.

From this period downwards for some years the dates and terms of

“hirings” of workpeople, “setting” of houses and land to different

tenants, and many other matters of interest, are all entered in his

own handwriting in a pocket account-book belonging to Whieldon, now in

my own possession. From this book I extract the following entries of

“hirings,” for the purpose of showing the small amount of wages paid in

those days as compared with the present, and the curious and amusing

bargains which were made between master and workman as to “earnest

money” and gifts of “old cloaths,” &c. The entries relating to Josiah

Spode and Robert Gardner I have already given in another part of this

volume:--

1749. _£ _s._ _d._

Jany. 27. Hired Jno. Austin for placeing white,

&c., pr. week 0 5 6

Pd. his whole earnest 0 3 0

Feby. 14. Then hired Thos. Dutton 0 6 6

Pd. 1 pr. Stockins 0 3 6

Earnest for vineing[55] 0 15 0

1 pr. Stockins 0 2 6

Pd. in part 0 1 0

Pd. do. in 7 yds. cloth 0 8 9

„ 16. Hired Wm. Keeling for handling 0 6 0

Pd. his whole earnest 0 1 0

„ 20. Hired Wm. Cope for handleing & vineing

& cast ware, for 0 7 0

Pd. his whole earnest 0 10 6

March 8. Then hired Jno. Barker for ye huvel, 0 5 6

Pd. earnest in part 0 1 0

Pd. it to pay more 0 1 0

„ 24. Hired ... Low for making Slip 0 5 3

Pd. him in part of his earnest 0 2 6

To pay more 0 2 6

„ 26. Then hired George Bagnall, for fireing

for this year, for 0 5 3

Full earnest, 5_s._

Pd. in part, 2_s._ 6_d._

Hired for 1750 0 5 6

June 2. Hired Jos. Astbury 0 1 6

Pd. earnest 0 0 6

1751.

April 6. Hired Thos. Astbury 0 6 0

Till Michaelmas, pd. earnest 0 1 0

Oct. 26. Then hired Cupit 0 2 3

Pd. earnest 0 0 6

I am to give him a old pr. of stockings or

something.

1752.

Hired George Bagley for 2 years. 1st year 0 3 6

2nd year 0 4 0

To give him a pair of shoes each year.

1753.

June 21. Hired Wm. Marsh for 3 years. He is to have

10_s_. 6_d_. earnest each year and 7_s_.

per week. I am to give an old coat or

something about 5_s._ value.

Aug. 29. Hired Westaby’s 3 children, per week 0 4 0

Pd. earnest 0 0 6

Hired John Everal, per week 0 4 6

Pd. earnest, 2 pr. Stockings 0 4 0

1 shilling in cash 0 1 0

To have a handkerchief.

1749.

June 2. Hired a boy of Ann Blowrs for Treading ye

lathe, per week 0 2 0

Pd. earnest 0 0 6

1751. _£ s. d._

Jany. 11. Then hired Elijah Simpson for Turning,

he is to have pr week 0 8 0

Whole earnest 2 2 0

Pd. in part 1 2 0

Then hired Saml. Jackson for Throwing

Sagers and fireing pr. week 0 8 0

Whole earnest 2 2 0

Pd. in part 1 2 0

Pd. more 1 1 0

Feby. 9. Hired Jno. Edge, for per week 0 6 0

He is to have earnest 0 5 0

& a new pr. stockins 0 2 0

Pd. in part 0 1 0

Hired his son Saml for 0 1 3

April 6. Hired Wm. Kent, per week 0 7 6

To give for earnest 0 12 0

Pd. in part 0 1 6

To give a new Shirt at 16_d._ per yard.

Hired Ann Blowrs Girl & Boy

Girl 0 0 9

Boy, Joseph 0 2 0

To give earnest, Testament.

The names of workpeople occurring in these hirings are:--

Jno. Austin,

Wm. Lawton,

Robt. Gardner,

George Bagnall,

Siah Spoade,

Jos. Matthewson,

Jno. Everel,

Wm. Sale,

Wm. Ward,

Thos. Halam,

Daniel Greatbach,

Richd. Bell,

Wm. Marsh,

Jno. Marsh,

Jno. Barker,

Henry Averills,

Two lads,

Thos. Barlow,

Thos. Astbury,

Sanders,

Two lads,

---- Cupit,

Uria Sutton,

Benj. Burrows,

Thos. Dutton,

Thos. Mee,

Jno. Kent,

Wm. Kent,

Bet. Blower,

Ann Blowers,

Boy and Girl,

James Blower,

John Blower,

Ned Blower,

Wm. Reeves,

Old Thos. Mee,

Wm. Keeling,

Wm. Fox,

John Lowe,

Jos. Astbury,

Thos. Steen,

Elijah Simpson,

John Knight,

Thos. Bagley,

George Bagley,

---- Booth,

Westaby,

Jno. Edge, Senr.,

Wm. Cope,

Jos. Botham,

James Leigh,

Saml. Jackson

Thos. Hallins,

Jno. Edge,

Wm. Kent,

Wm. Amery,

Boy.

That Whieldon was a man of large property is evident from the entries

of “settings” of lands and houses, in the same book, but this is not

pertinent to my subject of the goods manufactured during the same

period. One or two entries give interesting particulars; thus:--

To send Mrs. DAVISON.

6 ½ pt. mugs, white, 2_d._

1 flat candlestick, Tor.[56]

Mr. THOS. FLETCHER, Dr.

_£ s. d._

To 1 doz. Plates, Tor.[56] 0 8 0

„ 2 ¼ do. plate 0 2 6

„ 2 2 dishes 0 2 0

„ 1 do. painted 0 2 0

„ 1 do. Cream Colr. 0 1 8

„ 5 pails 0 2 6

Mr. DAVISON.

1 pail 0 0 6

To make for Mr. GREEN (of Hovingham,

near Heylsham, Norfolk).

4 Tor.[56] Teapots, all Toys; 4 Coffee Pots;

4 Slop bowls;

4 Ewers; 4 Sugar boxes, china make; 4 Mustard

pots, high;

8 Salts, high feet; 12 2 Dishes, Tor.[56]; 5 doz.

pails;

2 doz. piggins; 6 doz. large plates; 4 doz.

round ditto;

8 doz. a size less; 7 of ym round with Ribd.

edge;

1 do. Sqr.; 3 doz. Bread & butter plates,

Ribd.; 3 qt. Coffee Pots;

6 pints; 4 2nd size dishes; 2 larger.

[Illustration: Figs. 640 to 644.]

The goods manufactured by Whieldon, both before, during, and after his

partnership with Wedgwood, were of good quality and excellent form.

They are now very scarce, and are highly and deservedly prized by

collectors. Two “tortoiseshell plates,” a small “cauliflower jug,” a

marbled, or “combed-pattern” plate, and an imitation agate knife-haft,

are shown by Figs. 640 to 644.

In 1754 Wedgwood and Harrison entered into partnership with Thomas

Whieldon. The partnership with Harrison, however, continued but for

a short period, and in 1752 he went out of the concern, Wedgwood and

Whieldon continuing in partnership five years, and carrying on their

trade at Whieldon’s works at Fenton Low. In 1754 Wedgwood here produced

his famous green glaze, which helped much to extend the fame of the

manufactory. In 1759 the partnership expired; Wedgwood returned to

Burslem, and Whieldon continued the business alone. He acquired a large

fortune, in 1786 was high sheriff of the county, and in 1798 died at an

advanced age.

* * * * *

_Turner._--Messrs. William and John Turner, whose manufactory was

in the High Street, have often been referred to in this work. They

were among the best and most successful potters of the end of last and

early part of the present century. About 1756 Mr. John Turner and Mr.

Banks made white stone ware at Stoke, but in 1762 Turner removed to

Lane End, “where he manufactured every kind of pottery then in demand,

and also introduced some other kinds not previously known.” About 1780

he discovered a valuable vein of fine clay at Green Dock, from which

he “obtained all his supplies for manufacturing his beautiful and

excellent stone ware pottery of a cane colour, which he formed into

very beautiful jugs, with ornamental designs, and the most tasteful

articles of domestic use.” Turner produced “a shining blue glazed

pottery similar to that of the Japanese porcelain,” as well as making

many other improvements in the art. He died in 1786, and was succeeded

by his sons William and John Turner, who became, as just said, among

the best potters of the day--equalling in many respects Josiah Wedgwood

himself. In jasper ware, in Egyptian black, and other finer wares,

there is little choice between Turner and Wedgwood, although the

composition of the two bodies was not the same, and had been obtained

by different processes. In 1800 Messrs. Turner took out a patent

for a new method of manufacturing porcelain and earthenware by the

introduction of “Rafferness Mine Rock, Little Mine Rock, and New Rock.”

The works were closed about 1803. The mark used by the Turners was

simply the name TURNER, impressed on the jasper and other fine

bodies; on their blue-bordered and printed wares sometimes they used

the Prince of Wales’s feathers, with the name Turner beneath.

[Illustration: TURNER. Fig. 645.]

* * * * *

_Garner._--Robert Garner, or Gardner, son of Robert Gardner, was an

apprentice with Thomas Whieldon, and afterwards employed by him, at

the same period as his fellow workman, Josiah Spode, was employed. The

following entry is in Whieldon’s own handwriting, in my possession:

_£ s. d._

“1749. Feb. 28. Then hired Robt. Gardner, per week 0 6 6

Earnest 0 10 6

Pd. him toward it 0 1 0

I am to make his earnest about 5s.