William Cleavey was also an apprentice, and became a flower-painter.
George Cocker, born in Derby in 1794, was apprenticed at the Derby Works about 1808, as a figure maker, and continued to work there till 1817, when he removed to Coalport, where he is said to have been much employed in making raised flowers. He next, in connection with two partners, also workmen, commenced a small manufactory at Jackfield, which, however, was closed in a few months. He then got employment at the Worcester works, and in 1821 returned to Derby and again worked at the Derby China Works till 1826. In that year he left, and in partnership with another of the “hands,” Thomas Whitaker, commenced a china manufactory in Friar Gate, Derby, under the style of “Cocker and Whitaker.” The following is the announcement of the opening of these works:—
“DERBY.—NEW CHINA WORKS, For the Manufacture of Porcelain Figures, Ornaments, &c.—MESSRS. COCKER and WHITAKER beg most respectfully to inform the nobility, gentry, and the public, that they have commenced the above business in Friar Gate, Derby, where they manufacture, and have now ready for inspection, and sale, a numerous assortment of Goods in Biscuit and Enamel, such as they hope will be found not inferior to anything of the kind at present produced in this kingdom.
“Messrs. C. and W. have also a variety of TEA and DESSERT SERVICES of modern and approved patterns; and by arrangements already made, and a strict attention to the orders with which they may be favoured, they hope to obtain the honor of that patronage they now venture to solicit, and which it will ever be their most earnest endeavour to merit.
“N.B.—Ladies or Gentlemen may have Figures, Ornaments, &c. executed from models or drawings of their own.
“Friar Gate, Derby, Feb. 28, 1826.”
Their place of business was at the bottom of Friar Gate, near St. Werburgh’s church; Cocker living on the opposite side of the street, a little higher up, where he erected a kiln and all the necessary appliances. The business, however, did not answer well; the partnership with Whitaker was terminated; and in 1840 Cocker removed with his family to London. Here, in Chenies Street, Tottenham Court Road, he carried on his business of china figure making, and had a small shop in Regent’s Quadrant for their sale. This again not answering, he, in 1853, obtained an engagement with Messrs. Minton and removed to Stoke-upon-Trent, where he died, at the age of 74, in 1868, His figures and busts, of which he produced a goodly variety, were of small size, and were produced both in biscuit and painted. They were very clever and meritorious. He also made, rather extensively, as they met a ready sale, small baskets of beautifully-formed raised flowers; and brooches and other trinkets in the same way. In these he was assisted by his sons, daughters, and nephew. Groups of animals were also produced.
George Complin was one of the most noted painters at the works, many of his landscapes being of high character. He must have been an old man in 1794, for in one of his letters (Sept. 18) of that year he says, “I think my hair admits of more respect.” In the same letter he speaks of his employment, “the variety I do, and the variableness of the work.”
William Cooper was a clever flower painter, 1770–76.
William Cooper, son of Sarah Cooper, of Derby, was apprenticed for seven years on the 1st of January, 1777, to learn the “Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.” His father also, I believe, had been employed at the works about 1770, to his death, in 1776.