Thomas Toft

Tinkersclough area of Hanley

c.1620

1689

Most famous; signed chargers; wide range of designs

Ralph Toft

active 1670s

Thomas’s brother; fewer signed works survive

James Toft

late 17th c.

Son of Thomas - continued tradition; works less common

Cornelius Toft

late 17th c.

Son of Thomas - nnown mainly from records, few surviving pots

The Toft family were pioneers of English slipware pottery, transforming folk art into a recognisable and collectible style. 
Their manufacturing connect directly to Hanley’s early pottery heritage, their home and works were located at the area of known as Tinkersclough. 

• Slipware is pottery decorated with liquid clay (“slip”) applied to a vessel before firing, often with bold, folk-art style motifs. The Tofts were among the most prominent practitioners of this craft in Staffordshire in the mid to late 1600s.

• The term “Toft ware” has come to represent an entire category of English slipware, even beyond the family itself.
  

Thomas Toft (c.1620–1689)

The most famous member of the family. He is best known for his large decorated chargers (big plates, often 40–50cm across).
Signed many of his works with “THOMAS TOFT”, making his name synonymous with slipware.
Designs included royal portraits (Charles II, Catherine of Braganza), mermaids, unicorns, coats of arms, tulips, and abstract motifs.

Ralph Toft (fl. c.1670s)

Thomas’s brother. Produced similar slipware, with distinctive style differences (slightly looser, more free-flowing patterns). 
Very few signed works survive, making them rarer.

James, Cornelius, and Other Tofts

Other family members, probably sons or nephews, also became slipware potters.
Less is known, but their works continued the decorative traditions.