Rockingham Pottery History
The first pottery began on the site just outside Swinton, some four miles north of Rotherham in about 1745 when a potter named Joseph Flint rented land from the Marquis of Rockingham's estate. The pottery produced coarse earthenware using the locally available red and buff clays. By 1753 the pottery had been sold to Edward Butler, who had sold it to William Malpass by 1765. Malpass went into partnership with a glass maker called William Fenney. The pottery began to produce finer tablewares. By 1773 quality cream coloured earthenware with enamel decoration was being manufactured, possibly also white ware and 'tortoiseshell' glazed ware. Better quality clays than those available locally were imported from Cornwall and Kent.
In 1778 the firm began trading as 'Bingley, Wood and Co'. The now thriving company was taken over by the rival Leeds Pottery in 1787, from which time both potteries produced similar wares. Employment was provided for hundreds of local people in the flint mill, slip house, moulding shops, kilns, printing, painting, gilding and burnishing rooms, warehouses and showrooms. China was sent all over Britain and to markets in Europe.
In 1806 the Leeds Pottery withdrew from the firm leaving it in the control of John and William Brameld, father and son of a family who had worked for the pottery for may years. 'Leeds type' ware continued to be produced impressed with the trademark 'Brameld'. The Bramelds also began to produce cheaper and more durable pearl and stone china wares. These became so popular they replace cream ware as the staple product of the pottery. They were decorated with transfer prints under the glazing e.g.:–
- Willow Pattern.
- Scenes by the Castle of Rochefort.
- Exotic birds and insects amongst trees.
- The adventures of Don Quixote.
A vast range of china products were produced from grand dinner services for the tables of noblemen down to humble products like footbaths. The Bramelds also produced wares with coloured glazes. These were glazed and fired several times to produce subtle tones:–
- A rich green iridescent glaze was used on basket-weave and leaf-moulded goods.
- The smooth brown 'Rockingham' glaze was used on tea, coffee and chocolate services.
- Brown, apple-green and blue on Cadogan pots (Chinese inspired novelty pots in the form of peaches).
- Cane-coloured.
Skilled artists were employed to decorate the china e.g.:– George Collinson.
Bankruptcy proceeding were begun against the firm in 1819. The firm was in severe financial difficulties as losses of over £22000 had been incurred, mostly through foreign trade. The three Brameld brother who now ran the firm appealed to Earl Fitzwilliam, who advanced a series of loans to help cover their debts. Once back on a sound financial basis the Bramelds began production of goods made from soft-paste porcelain, which began commercially about 1825. This was white vitreous ware containing china clay, Cornish stone and bone ash.
The pottery was renamed the Rockingham Works as a compliment to Earl Fitzwilliam's uncle, the Marquis of Rockingham, from whom he had inherited his estates. The family crest of a griffin was adopted as the factory mark. The red griffin mark was used 1826-1830. High quality tea and dessert services in a wide variety of colours and patterns established a first class reputation for Rockingham ware.
In 1830 the Works received royal patronage when King William VI ordered a 200 piece dessert service for the Royal household at a cost of £5000. The firm spared no time or expense over the order which was economically disastrous. However the prestige brought them increased orders from the aristocracy and the wealthy middle classes. From 1830 to 1841 the griffin mark was printed in puce, with 'Manufacturer to the King' often added below. Items were produced in large numbers and with great diversity of style and decoration, besides the useful wares the works produced figures and busts.
The company went bankrupt again in 1841. The new Earl Fitzwilliam refused to extend them further credit and the factory was closed down once and for all. All that remains in the 21st Century is the Waterloo Kiln (built in 1815) by the pottery ponds. When I last walked up there everything seemed very forlorn. I did start gassing over the garden hedge with a chap whose house backs onto the old factory site. He has a huge garden and told me that when he was landscaping it he found the remains of a trial kiln from about 1800, but what little there was of this is now underneath his landscaping.
I am told, though I do not indulge myself, that 'Rockingham' is very collectible. Indeed you can't go to any antiques fair around here without seeing displays of 'Rockingham Ware'. Call me suspicious but it seems that the term 'Rockingham' covers a multitude of sins.
