The Leeds Pottery 1770-1881 2 volumes

The Leeds Pottery 1770-1881 (2 volumes)

Griffin, John D.

Leeds: Leeds Art Collection Fund, 2005. Hardcover. Green cloth with color illustrated green dustjackets. 639 pages and 1134 illustrations. As New. Item #168530
ISBN: 9780954797904

"This landmark publication incorporates newly discovered sources, original factory design books, and the expertise of a dedicated collector. In two volumes, John Griffin revises and expands our knowledge of one of England’s foremost earthenware factories. Volume 1 is mainly devoted to company history and a survey of production, predominantly creamware and pearlware. Volume 2 concentrates on analyzing and reproducing twelve surviving design, drawing, and pattern books from the late-eighteenth- and early-nineteenth-century Leeds Pottery. He concludes with details of a revival of factory products in the period 1880 to 1950. Volume 1 begins with chapters devoted to a critical history of the factory. We read in great depth about the founding partners, their personal investment, and share ownership. The partnership articles of agreement are quoted in part, analyzed, and a complete transcript is appended. Details of retirement, death, and inheritance are given in full. One might wonder why all of this needs to be said. On re ection, I deduced that the author was cognizant of the need not only to explain why past discussions about the Leeds Pottery were inaccurate but also to prove his position beyond reasonable doubt. He does this convincingly by providing primary sources to ensure that there could be no further excuse for not knowing when the factory started, who founded it, and when and why it had nancial successes and difficulties." part of a review by Pat Halfpenny on the Chipstone website.