A bit of porcelain history

Bow

c.1744 – 1776

Edward Heylyn and Thomas Frye established the Bow factory at Stratford-le-Bow in Essex to produce phosphatic porcelain in competition with Chinese imports. The patent was taken out in December 1744. Early wares typically have a heavy dense body, a glaze that can look rather greasy or lard-like, and free painting in a bright tone of blue.

After about 1755 the body is lighter; the glaze often has a blue appearance where it has gathered. Output was substantial and included a large amount of blue and white tablewares. Some pieces bear workman’s tally marks. In the 1770s Bow was the only factory with a significant output of toy or miniature wares.

Worcester

1751 onwards

The Worcester factory was founded in 1751 after Dr John Wall and his partners acquired knowledge, equipment, materials and skilled workers from Benjamin Lund’s factory at Bristol. Early Worcester soaprock bodies gave clear glaze and good resistance to boiling liquids — a practical advantage for teawares.

Worcester became one of the most successful eighteenth-century English porcelain factories, with painted and printed decoration, and a long later history through Flight & Barr and beyond.

Lowestoft

c.1757 – 1802

The Lowestoft Porcelain Factory worked in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Soft-paste wares were made for a local and coastal market as well as further afield. Pieces often show painted underglaze blue Chinese-inspired scenes, floral sprays, and later polychrome enamels. Tally marks are sometimes found inside the foot ring.

Lowestoft remains a particular passion for English Porcelain Online — many of the pieces offered here are chosen with that factory in mind.

Caughley

c.1772 – 1799

Caughley (near Broseley in Shropshire) produced soft-paste porcelain associated with Thomas Turner. The factory is well known for blue and white printed and painted wares, and for forms that sit comfortably alongside contemporary Worcester. Production ceased around the turn of the nineteenth century as the Coalport concern rose nearby.

Liverpool

Mid to late 18th century

Liverpool was a major trading port with several porcelain manufactories. Unlike factories named by place alone, Liverpool wares are often discussed by proprietor: William Reid, Richard Chaffers, Philip Christian, Samuel Gilbody, the Pennington family, Seth Pennington and John Part, and others.

Ownership of sites could change with little break in production, so attribution near changeover dates needs care. Excavation of wasters has helped clarify who made what. Much of the surviving output is blue and white tea and table ware.

Other factories

Chelsea, Longton Hall, Vauxhall, Derby, Plymouth, Bristol, New Hall and more

Beyond the five factories above, English porcelain of the eighteenth century includes Chelsea, Longton Hall (William Littler), West Pans, Vauxhall (Sanders & Crisp), Derby, Isleworth, Plymouth, Champion’s Bristol, Lund’s Bristol, New Hall and related groups. Bodies, glazes and decoration vary widely — phosphatic, steatitic and frit pastes all appear.

Pieces from these makers are gathered under Other Factories in the shop. If you need help placing a mark or a body, ask Beth — that is half the pleasure of the hunt.