The manufacture of porcelain in England began much earlier than has been generally supposed, and the invention was patented in England by John Dwight of Fulham in 1671, while that at St. Cloud was not patented until 1702, thirty years afterwards.
Worcester. Although this manufactory originated more than a century and a half ago, and has always been carried on by private enterprise, it is still in a flourishing state. It was established in 1751, chiefly through the exertions of Dr. Wall, a physician and a good practical chemist, who in conjunction with others formed the “Worcester Porcelain Company.” The early productions were principally of the useful description, and were sold at a cheaper rate than the wares of Bow and Chelsea. About the year 1757, the important method of multiplying designs upon the biscuit ware by means of transferring impressions of engraved copper plates to the surface, was adopted at Worcester almost at the same time as at Liverpool, the invention being in fact claimed by both; but specimens are found bearing the names of Sadler and Green of Liverpool, and Richard Holdship and Robert Hancock of Worcester, dated in the same year. Bat printing succeeded the printing from engraved or etched plates. This new style was accomplished thus: instead of the design being first printed upon paper and then transferred, the plate was stippled with a fine point by London artists after designs of landscapes, shells, fruit, and flowers by Cipriani, Bartolozzi, Cosway, and Angelica Kauffmann, who were so fashionable about the end of the 18th century. The copper plate being carefully cleaned, a thin coating of linseed oil was laid upon it, and removed by the palm of the hand from the surface, leaving the oil in the engraved spots; instead of paper, bats of glue were used, cut into squares of the size of the engraving; one of these bats was pressed on to the plate, so as to receive the oil out of the engraved holes, and laid on to the china, transferring the oil to the surface; it was then dusted with the colour required, the superfluous colour being removed carefully with cotton wool, and the china was then placed in the kiln.
Fig. 283.—Cup and Saucer.
In 1783 the Worcester porcelain works were purchased by Mr. Thomas Flight, from whom they afterwards passed to Messrs. Flight and Barr; the principal painters at this time were: J. Pennington, who painted figures; S. Astles, flowers; G. Davis, exotic birds in the Chelsea style; Webster, landscapes and flowers; J. Barker, shells; Brewer of Derby, landscapes; while Thomas Baxter, an accomplished artist, painted figure subjects.
The Worcester works remained with Messrs. Flight & Barr until 1840, when the two principal manufactories of Worcester—that of Flight & Barr, and that of the Messrs. Chamberlain, were amalgamated; the plant and stock were removed to the premises of the latter, and the new firm was styled Chamberlain & Co. The last-named works were established by Robert Chamberlain in 1786; he was the first apprentice at the Old Worcester Porcelain Company, and he and his brother Humphrey took premises in High Street. At first they only decorated porcelain, which they bought of Turner of Caughley; but they afterwards manufactured largely on their own account, and their business increased to a great extent, being patronised by the royal family.
Fig. 284.—Portion of a Tea Service.
Japanese pattern, blue, red, and gold.
