China Learn

Leeds

It is believed that a suburb of Leeds called Potternewton derived its name from ancient pot works, but nothing definite is known about them, the earliest authenticated manufacture being that of tobacco pipes, which was begun about the year 1714.

Two brothers named Green established a pottery manufactory at Leeds in 176o. It is supposed that at first they only produced black ware, but shortly afterwards cream-colored ware was introduced, clay being brought from Devon, Cornwall, and Poole, and local clay was employed. The firm styled “Humble, Greens & Co.” was shortly afterwards joined by Mr William Hartley, when it became “Hartley, Greens & Co.” This firm carried on an extensive trade with Russia, and, as the Leeds pottery was found to withstand the severity of the climate, they had almost a monopoly of the Russian trade until they were superseded by Wedgwood, who manufactured a lighter ware” (Rudler).

Messrs Hartley, Greens & Co. published illustrated pattern-books, which are a great help in the identification of their wares. One of these, printed in English, French, and German, bears the following title: “Designs of Sundry Articles of Queen’s or Cream-colored Earthen-Ware, manufactured by Hartley, Greens, and Co., at Leeds Pottery; With a great Variety of other Articles. The same Enameled, Printed, or Ornamented with Gold to any Pattern; also with Coats of Arms, Cyphers, Landscapes, &c., &c. Leeds, 1786.”

After the death of Mr Hartley the business passed into the hands of Mr Samuel Wainwright, 1825; then to Messrs S. & J. Chappell, 1832; and afterwards, in 1850, to Messrs Warburton & Britton.

Leeds cream ware bears a striking resemblance to Staffordshire cream ware. It has a brilliant glaze of a greenish tint, with which it is thickly coated. Basket work and perforated and pressed work were beautifully executed. The handles of teapots and cream jugs were twisted, and ended in floral designs, slightly raised; figures in white, with a bluish glaze; in cream ware; and also painted like Staffordshire figures, were made, and dessert services in basket work, with fine centre-pieces were a feature of the Leeds manufactory.

Marble decoration and agate ware were used on barrel-shaped teapots, decorated with bands of orange and brown. Transfer-printing in black on cream ware, both over and under glaze, was employed, and flowers and insects were enameled in colors. Gold was not much used in decoration.

Leeds ware is rarely marked, and when it does occur the name of the firm or of the pottery is stamped in full.

The pieces illustrated are a basket or wickerwork plate, a dessert dish and stand with pierced work and raised and embossed moulding, a teapot with twisted handles and blue decoration in Chinese taste, and a figure in cream ware painted in colors.