He was succeeded by M. Protât, who, after having executed some of the stone statues now adorning the India Office, returned to France.
Previous to this, Parian was, about 1842, introduced, and formed a staple branch of Messrs. Minton’s productions. In 1851 Herbert Minton and Augustus John Hoffstaedt took out a patent for “improvements in the manufacture.” In the same year Herbert Minton and James Nasmyth took out a patent for “certain improvements in machinery.” In the same year, 1851, the “Great Exhibition” was held, and resulted in an award of great merit to this firm, an honour which each successive exhibition, whether English or foreign, has augmented. In 1850 Majolica was added to the other art-productions of this manufactory, and in this it still stands pre-eminent. No firm has surpassed them in the sharpness of details; the purity of colours; the excellence of glaze, or the artistic character of these goods, which comprise every description of both useful and ornamental articles. In 1851 Della Robbia and Palissy ware were also here commenced.
Figs. 217 to 220.
Figs. 221 to 223.—Minton’s productions.
Figs. 224 to 229.—Minton’s productions.
The history of the manufacture of encaustic and other tiles by Minton, Hollins & Co. is the history of the entire modern trade in these useful and beautiful articles. In 1828 Herbert Minton first turned his attention to the subject, but was prevented by circumstances from fully developing his plans. In 1830 Mr. Samuel Wright, of Shelton, took out a patent for “a manufacture of ornamental tiles.” This, in January 1844, he supplemented by another patent for the “manufacture of ornamental bricks and quarries for floor pavements and other purposes.” Mr. Wright’s experiments were highly satisfactory, but from various causes, although he executed several orders, they were not commercially successful. Becoming weary of his almost resultless experiments, he sold his moulds and patent rights to Mr. Minton, who agreed to pay him a royalty of 10 per cent. on all the tiles sold. Mr. Minton commenced the manufacture in a single room next to the present throwing-house at the earthenware works, and only three men were at first employed. He was much aided in his task by the late Mr. George Leason, a practical potter, who had been brought up under him.
