Shipley.
These works were commenced about 1825 on the estate of Edward Miller Mundy, Esq., of Shipley Hall, by whom the buildings were erected, in consequence of the discovery of valuable beds of clay. They were first carried on by some working potters from the Staffordshire district, and the ordinary classes of goods in “cane” or “yellow” ware were produced, as were also Rockingham ware tea-pots and other articles. These were made to a considerable extent, and of good quality, but the works did not answer. They were next taken by a Mr. Waite, a blacking manufacturer, from London, who commenced making stoneware bottles for his own blacking, and other articles of general use. Eventually, in 1845, the works passed into the hands of Mr. Bourne, of the Denby pottery, and were carried on by him. The clay at Shipley was of two kinds—one was obtained from the hard seam coal after the coal was worked, at a depth of 250 yards. This was of a beautiful and extremely fine quality, but was of itself difficult to work owing to a want of tenacity. It was found, however, that by using in equal proportions this clay and another known as the Waterloo seam, which was about 100 yards from the surface, an excellent body was produced. At this period the coal mines on the estate furnished saline and chalybeate waters, which were much in repute; and bottles, specially designed for these waters, were made in large quantities at these works. Some of these bottles are still preserved, and are of excellent material. They bear impressed on the side a garter ribbon, on which are the words
enclosing the name SHIPLEY SALINE WATER in three lines. In 1856 the Shipley pottery was closed; the workmen, plant, &c., being removed to, and incorporated with, the Denby pottery.