• Thomas Forester started earthenware manufacture at the works in 1884 and continued until 1887/8.

• Forester then took Joseph Booth Hulme into partnership c.1887 and they operated as Forester and Hulme. This partnership continued until December 1892 when Thomas Forester left the business.

• Hulme then entered into partnership with John James Christie - operating as Hulme & Christie. 

The registration number 128888 shows that the pattern was registered on the 15th July 1889 by Forester & Hulme.

The inclusion of 'ENGLAND' indicate that the actual piece was made 1891-92. The use of the country of manufacture was a requirement of the American McKinley Tariff Act of 1890. 

covered tureen with stand in the transfer ware Congo pattern

this example is hand coloured

Congo 
F & H

The initials 'F&H' show that the ware was made by Forester & Hulme, who operated from 1887 to 1892 

The registration diamond shows that the pattern was first registered on 2 October 1883 by Meigh & Forester, Church Street, Longton. 

It was common for patterns/designs to pass from one company or partner to the the next. 

Forester & Hulme cheese dome and stand, pattern 'Derby', c.1887–1890. 

Transfer-printed in iron-red with Aesthetic Movement/Japonisme decoration incorporating birds, foliage and geometric motifs inspired by Japanese ceramics.

The absence of "ENGLAND" likely indicates a date pre 1891

the bee mark (a sign of industry) was introduced by
Forester & Hulme and also continued by other potters
at the Sutherland Works, including Hulme & Christie
and Frank Beardmore