In green glazed earthenware, dessert services, in which the plates, centres, comports, &c., are embossed with leaves, flowers, and other patterns, are made, many of them from the original moulds of the Swinton Works, which passed by purchase to the Mexborough pottery; and others of equally elegant design from moulds expressly belonging to Mexborough. In this ware garden seats, both plain and foliated, of the same designs as those produced in the old days of the Rockingham Works; and also root-pots and flower-vases, are made. Of these the “lotus vase,” of which I have already given an engraving (Fig. [872]), is one of the most elegant and attractive, and is, I believe, made only at the Mexborough Pottery, as is also the model of the keep of Conisborough Castle already alluded to.
The mark used at the Mexborough Pottery, but which is only occasionally introduced, is simply the name of the proprietor,
* REED *
in large capitals, impressed in the ware.
Mexborough Old Pottery.—At Mexborough was formerly another pot-work, known as the “Mexborough Old Pottery.” This was established at the end of the last century by Messrs. Sowter and Bromley,[124] who held the works until 1804, when they came into the possession of Mr. Peter Barker. Peter Barker was the son of Joseph Barker, who came out of Staffordshire as manager of the Swinton Pottery. He became partner with Mr. Wainwright at the pot-works at Rawmarsh (afterwards Hawley’s), and ultimately took to the works at Mexborough. These were continued by the brothers, Peter and Jesse Barker, who were succeeded by Mr. Samuel Barker, the son of the latter, until 1834, when they acquired the Don Pottery. By Mr. Samuel Barker they were continued until 1844. The Mexborough Old Pottery was then discontinued, and is now converted into ironworks for the manufacture of wheels for locomotives. At these works the commoner descriptions of earthenware, including blue printing, were produced.
Rawmarsh.
In the latter part of last century a pottery was carried on here by Mr. Peter Barker and his partner, under the style of “Barker and Wainwright.” He afterwards joined his brother Jesse at the Mexborough Old Pottery.
Rotherham.
North Field Pottery.—This pottery was established in 1851 by Joseph Lee, a working potter, who had previously carried on a small manufactory (now disused) in the town of Rotherham. In 1855 it was purchased by Mr. George Hawley, of Rawmarsh; who, on his death, was succeeded by his sons, the late Mr. William Hawley, father of the present proprietors, Mr. Matthew Hawley, and his two brothers. The firm was for a time carried on as “W. and G. Hawley,” but its present style is Hawley Brothers. The goods manufactured are the commoner descriptions of earthenware; and a large trade is carried on in furniture polish bottles and articles of a similar class.