Lugwardine Works.—These encaustic tile works, situated at Withington, four miles from Hereford, were established in 1861 by Mr. William Godwin, and are of considerable extent. In encaustic tiles Mr. Godwin has paid particular attention to the reproduction of mediæval patterns in all their entirety, both as to fac-simile of form and ornament, and antique appearance of surface, and in these essentials to artistic effect has succeeded admirably. Many of his tiles are exact reproductions, not old designs modernised, and this it is that gives to floors laid by him that peculiar charm which they undoubtedly possess. In addition to actual copies of old tiles, Mr. Godwin has produced a large variety of new designs, in which the patterns are characterized by pure mediæval feeling and by excellent workmanship. The tiles are of extremely hard and durable quality, and the colours clear, distinct, and good. Mr. Godwin’s name impressed on the back of the tile is his mark.
Torquay.
Terra-Cotta Works.—The Terra-Cotta Works at Hele Cross, Torquay, were established in October, 1875, by Dr. Gillow, who that year discovered the bed of clay, and are worked by a Limited Liability Company, with that clever and energetic gentleman as chairman and general director. The clay is of remarkably fine, tenacious, and durable quality, and is capable of working to the very highest degree of perfection. Its colour is a rich full red, and its surface almost metallic in its hardness and fine texture; it is almost identical in quality and beauty of tone to that at Watcombe, to whose productions those of Torquay bear a marked resemblance. Dr. Gillow has, very wisely, directed his efforts entirely in an Art direction, with a determination to produce only works of a high class of excellence, whether the designs or objects be simple or elaborate, low priced or costly, useful or strictly ornamental. Architectural terra-cotta is not made or intended to be made, but only Art productions of an ornamental character. To this end a staff of forty or more experienced workmen has been got together, and skilled modellers, enamellers, and decorators engaged from other seats of manufacture. The company started with the aim of producing works of a high standard of excellence, and thus expressed their intention: “They (the Company) believe that they have at Hele Cross the best deposit of clay yet discovered, and their one aim and object is to improve the artistic standard by persevering energy; one year’s existence has given grounds for hope and encouragement; much has been done, but much more remains to be done. They trust to improve year by year until they place terra-cotta in its old proud position as a favoured branch of Ceramic Art, and until Devonshire productions stand unrivalled throughout Europe.” The success which has so far attended Dr. Gillow’s efforts is very marked, and shows that they have been directed in a right way and in a commendable spirit.
TORQUAY TERRA COTTA Co. LIMITED.
Figs. 661 and 662.
The productions of the Torquay Terra-Cotta Company are statuettes, single figures and groups, busts, groups of animals, birds, &c.; vases, ewers, bottles, jugs, and tazzæ; butter-coolers, spill cases, and other domestic appliances; plaques of various sizes; candlesticks, toilet-trays, water-bottles, tobacco vases, &c. Many of the productions are painted and enamelled in good taste, and the ornamentation, whether in colour or gilding, is characterized by clever workmanship and judicious arrangement. Many designs of vases, plaques, &c., are original and in good taste. The company supply not only the home but foreign markets, and have received high recognition, with medals from the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society and from the Turners’ Company. The marks used by the firm are an oval garter bearing the words Torquay Terra-Cotta Co., and in the centre Limited, printed on the ware; the name Torquay impressed in the clay; the words within a single oval line; and the monogram, Fig. [652], which is a combination of the letters T T C, for “Torquay Terra Cotta.”
Alderholt.
At this place, in Hampshire, potteries for common coarse ware for domestic purposes exist. The bed of clay is the same as that in the New Forest worked in early ages, as described in the first volume.