Fig. 285.—Portion of a Tea Service.
Transfer coloured, and partly gilt.
These two works which were united in 1840, remained so until 1852, when Messrs. Kerr & Binns became the ostensible proprietors. In 1862 another Joint Stock Company was formed, Mr. R. W. Binns having the direction of the artistic department and Mr. Edward Phillips being general superintendent.
Swinton, near Rotherham. The manufacture of porcelain at the Rockingham Works was introduced, under the patronage of the Earl Fitzwilliam, about the year 1823 by Thomas Brameld, who spared no expense in endeavouring to bring it to perfection. The china was of a superior description, and the painting and decoration were of a high character. In 1832 royal patronage was obtained and a magnificent service was ordered by King William IV.; instead, however, of placing the firm in a flourishing condition, it was actually the cause of its ruin, for the expense incurred by the engagement of first-class artists, and the super-abundance of gold employed in decorating the service, resulted in so great a loss that the manufacture was totally discontinued a few years after.
Fig. 286.—Plate.
Fig. 287.—Vase.
Centre-piece of the service made for King William IV.
Height 14 in.
Derby. The earliest manufactory was called “The Derby Pot Works,” and was carried on at Cock Pit Hill by Messrs. John and Christopher Heath for pottery and porcelain. It is said to have been on an extensive scale, but little is known of its operations. The proprietors, who were bankers in Full Street, became bankrupt in 1780, when the stock was sold and the works discontinued.
