Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd (England) ceramics

Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd was a pottery manufacturer based in Longton, Staffordshire, England. The company was founded in 1877 by Thomas Forester, a skilled potter who had previously worked for other pottery companies in the area. Forester started his own business with the aim of producing high-quality majolica ware.

Majolica is a type of pottery that is decorated with colorful glazes. It was very popular in the Victorian era, and Forester's majolica ware was quickly in high demand. The company's products were sold all over the world, and they were known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

In 1879, Forester built a new pottery factory in Longton, which he called the Phoenix Works. The new factory was much larger than the company's previous premises, and it allowed Forester to increase his production capacity. The company continued to grow and prosper throughout the late 19th more... and early 20th centuries.

In addition to majolica ware, Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd also produced a wide range of other ceramic products, including earthenware, china, and stoneware. The company's products were known for their high quality and craftsmanship. Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd was also one of the first pottery companies in England to produce Art Deco ceramics.

The company was incorporated as a limited company in 1891, and it was renamed Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd in 1900. At its peak, the company employed over 700 people and had showrooms in London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna.

In the mid-20th century, the pottery industry in Staffordshire began to decline. This was due to a number of factors, including foreign competition and the rising cost of labour. Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd was one of the many pottery companies in the area that was forced to close. The company closed its doors in 1959 after 80 years of production.

Despite its relatively short lifespan, Thomas Forester and Sons Ltd produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after ceramics of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. less...