Rockingham Ceramic Factory
British, 1745–1842
Italian, about 1470/1482–1527/1534
BiographyPottery and porcelain factory founded in 1745 on the estate of the Marquis of Rockingham. It began by making simple brown stoneware and from 1787 it produced similar wares in partnership with the Leeds Pottery. It later expanded into making creamwares of excellent quality, white salt-glazed stoneware and other refined types. A manganese-brown glaze known as the 'Rockingham glaze' was developed. In addition to typical tablewares the factory also made cadogans that were later imitated by other factories. In 1825, under the proprietorship of Thomas Brameld and his brothers George Frederick and John Wager, the manufacture of porcelain began. High quality bone china was apparently made from 1826 when Earl Fitzwilliam, heir to the Rockingham estate, helped to finance the factory; after this time the griffin from his family crest was adopted as a mark. His role as patron of the manufactory is unique in the history of English ceramics. Wares of this period were mostly done in a rich Rococo style with abundant floral decoration; they were sometimes imitative of Coalport wares. (courtesy of Getty ULAN)