Old Hall Earthenware
Old Hall Earthenware Company traded under various names from 1850-1902. Items can be accurately dated by the mark on their bases which indicates they were made sometime between 1884 and 1886.
The Old Hall Earthenware Company began life as Charles Meigh and Sons in 1850. During the dates of our jug’s production they were known as Old Hall Earthernware but they later became Old Hall Porcelain Works Ltd. The company was one the first of the Staffordshire Potteries to be incorporated as a limited liability company.
Such a forward thinking business decision seems to be in keeping with other evidence from the pottery which describes the working conditions as being first class for cleanliness and spaciousness. The Victorian factory was criticised only for having the male and female toilets too close together!
Old Hall was one of the few manufactures to be connected with designer Christopher Dresser. Although he was Art Director for Middleborough’s Linthorpe Pottery, Dresser also worked with some other top manufacturers including Minton and Wedgewood.
Dresser’s innovative designs often included unusual shapes or uncommon handles. His work encompassed all manner of items from ceramics to furniture. However, not all the wares produced by the Old Hall Works demonstrated such skill or innovation. Like most other Staffordshire potteries, they were prolific manufacturers of Blue and White dining ware. They also produced their share of commemorative wares.
