Grimwades Ltd






 

Location and period of operation:

Grimwades Ltd

Hanley

1900

1964

 

Earthenware manufacturer - originally at the Winton Pottery, just on the Hanley side of the border of the pottery towns of Hanley and Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent, England. The works were named after Winton Wood.

 

In 1900 the original Grimwade Bros became Grimwades Ltd - they expanded production significantly and within 10 years had purchased a number of existing companies to help with the growth. 

Winton Pottery Works was their original and largest factory and this name gave rise to their well-known "Winton Ware."
Winton Ware became one of their flagship lines. Their range grew to include fine tableware, commemorative pieces, and novelty items — including miniature ware and promotional ceramics.

By the 1920s-30s, they were producing art deco patterns as well, with more stylised geometrics and bright glazes.

Grimwades Royal Winton became well known for chintz ware — full-pattern, all-over floral transfer designs - notable Chintz patterns were "Summertime," "Hazel," and "Sweet Pea".

 


Later use of the 'Winton' name: 

In 1964 Grimwades Ltd was acquired by the Howard Pottery Group and the business traded as Royal Winton.

In 1995 the ownership of Royal Winton changed and the new owner reverted back to the original name of Grimwades Ltd although they continued to trade as 'Royal Winton'. 

 


Summary of the history of Grimwades Ltd: 

  • Around March 1900 the business of Grimwade Bros was incorporated as Grimwades Ltd. 

  • The partners were Leonard Lumsden Grimwade (the founder) and his brothers Sydney and Edward. 

  • The business expanded rapidly and they took over a number of potteries: 

  • By the time of the First World War the Grimwade business employed 1,000 people and by the early 1920s had become one of the largest manufacturers of earthenware in the North Staffordshire potteries, with 1,500 employees.

  • The name "Royal Winton Ware" was in use from as early as 1897 it was around 1929 that 'Royal Winton' was introduced as a recognisable trade name by Grimwades Ltd.  

  • The founder, Leonard L. Grimwade was killed in a road accident in January 1931. (see biography of Leonard L. Grimwade). Later the same year James Plant snr. died. 

  • In 1933 James Plant, the son of the original owner of the Stoke Pottery, became managing director of Grimwades. Under his leadership the company went from strength to strength.

  • James Plant jnr. died in 1962. 

  • In 1964 Grimwades Ltd was acquired by the Howard Pottery Group and the business traded as Royal Winton


 

NOTE: In 1995 the ownership of Royal Winton changed and the new owner reverted back to the original name of Grimwades Ltd although they continued to trade as 'Royal Winton'. 

 

Previously:  Grimwade Bros  

Subsequently: Royal Winton

 


jump to:

Leonard Grimwade biography  | Grimwade advertsexamples of Grimwade ware  |

Grimwade chintz  |

| identification marks  |  Winton Pottery Works  |

 


 

 

GRIMWADE, Leonard Lumsden (c. 1863-1931), pottery manufacturer, Stoke upon Trent.

Leonard Grimwade was born in Ipswich about 1863, the son of Richard Grimwade. He began his business life with his uncle as a dry salter in Ipswich. He came to the Potteries as a modeller but quickly moved to manufacturing. 

He was joined by his brother, Sydney, by 1886, and worked the Winton Pottery. The style became Grimwade's Ltd. in March 1900.

Leonard Grimwade went for a time to Australia but returned to the Potteries.

In association with Brittain's, of Cheddleton (the paper manufacturers), he devised a thin printing tissue with a detachable backing, known as 'Duplex' paper, which facilitated the handling of lithographic sheets. The invention helped to make the litho process commercially viable. 

He is also credited with installing the first continuous process kiln, in 1901. In this process, known as the Climax kiln, the ware was packed into iron cages on wheels. 

A serious fire at the Winton factory in 1916 led to Leonard Grimwade proposing that Stoke on Trent should have at least three motor fire engines. 

A Liberal free-trader Leonard Grimwade was elected to Stoke upon Trent council and was also appointed to the local magistrates' bench. He was secretary of the Potteries Association for the Promotion of Federation, founded in 1907, and published 160 favourable replies to a circular letter to leaders of trade and industry in his Book of Opinions. Questioned by counsel for Fenton during the passage of the federation bill through Parliament and asked where he lived Leonard Grimwade replied "I sleep in Wolstanton but I live in the Potteries". He unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary election in Hanley as a Liberal in 1918. He was a member of King Street, Newcastle, Congregational church. 

He modified his free-trade views to some extent during the First World War, by which time his five factories employed 1,000 people. In December 1917 he printed a message from the prime minister asking for economy in consumption of food on reduced sized butter dishes, milk jugs and plates, which sold at one shilling each.

He married twice and had two sons and two daughters. His first wife, Marion, was elcted to the Stoke Board of Guardians in 1897. He was killed in a road accident on 26 January 1931 and was buried in Hartshill cemetery.

Sources: Jewitts, Pottery Gazette 2 March 1931; VCH ii., People of the Potteries.


 

 


 

 


Grimwades'
New Art Toilet Set
the 'Melon'

Pottery Gazette - January 1906

 


Grimwades advert for their stand at the Festival of Empire
held at The Crystal Palace, London in 1911

 




Cover of a 1906 Grimwades Ltd export catalogue and price list

at this time they operated from four works: the Winton Pottery, Stoke Pottery, Elgin Pottery and Upper Hanley Pottery 

 

 



Examples of ware produced by Grimwades: 

Grimwades were prolific manufacturers producing 100s and 100s of patterns.

Winton Ware became one of their flagship lines. Their range grew to include fine tableware, commemorative pieces, and novelty items — including miniature ware and promotional ceramics.

By the 1920s-30s, they were producing art deco patterns as well, with more stylised geometrics and bright glazes.

Grimwades Royal Winton became well known for chintz ware — full-pattern, all-over floral transfer designs.

 

 


Grimwades Limited
Stoke-on-Trent

NANCY is the pattern name - the registration
number shows that the pattern was registered in 1902

fragment found on the mud banks of the River Thames in 2021
courtesy: Adam Walczak 

 

   
examples of a tureen and a soup bowl in the Nancy pattern

 




moulded serving dish with hand painted pattern and gilt accents

Grimwades
Stoke-on-Trent

this style of mark with the shell like vase in the centre is not well documented it is likely to be c.1906 - early 1910s

photos courtesy: Helen Tombolato (Australia) 

 


 

 


jug by Grimwades in their Adam Style pattern 
introduced c.1904 

The name of the pattern is 'Adam' after the famous neo-classical architect and designer Robert Adam

detail of the rams head on the handle

 

 

 


Grimwade's
Winton GB
Stoke-on-Trent
England

impressed mark ADAM 

 

 


 

 

Atlas China
Stoke-on-Trent
Grimwade
England

this mark revived by Grimwades
c. 1930-36

 


 


Child's warming plate with nursery rhyme

Grimwades produced a range of nursery and children's ware 


Grimwades
Stoke-on-Trent
England

mark introduced in the 1930s 

photos courtesy:  Kate Jones

 


 


cup with Welsh village scene  

Made exclusively for
Rodolfo Eister
Bs  As
Grimwades Ltd
Made in England 

 

Rodolfo Eisler was an importer of quality ceramics, silver and homewares that were primarily made in England. His shop was based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

He imported ware from a number of North Staffordshire potteries including The Pearl Pottery and Newport Pottery (Clarice Cliff ware).

 


 

 


part of a 12 setting dinner service


Grimwades marked some of their ware with the month/year of
manufacture - in this example the 7/29 is July 1929 

marks used on various items 
of the dinner service 

 

 

photos courtesy:  John & Julie Fritz

 




Grimwades Chintz Ware

The term "chintz" itself originally referred to printed cotton fabrics with floral patterns that came from India in the 17th century, and the ceramic industry borrowed that name for the dense, all over floral patterns that they began to produce. 

In 1928 Grimwades began producing chintz patterns with "Margauerite" being the first. This was an immediate success and a number of chintz patterns were introduced in the 1930s. 

These tightly grouped, highly detailed and vibrant all over floral patterns were to become a milestone in the company's reputation for versatility and beauty.

With the exception of an moratorium on decorated ware in the Second World War period, production of chintz continued until the early 1960s, when it was discontinued due to the high production costs associated with this style of decoration. 

In 1995 the new owners (Grimwades trading as Royal Winton) recognised the value of the chintz pattern and reintroduced it in the form of collector's pieces. The year 1995 was incorporated into the backstamp of the new chintz to avoid confusion with previous production.

 

 


Marguerite

Introduced around 1928 Marguerite was the first of the Chintz patterns produced by Grimwades. 

The Marguerite pattern has a white background with a floral design of various upright and daisy like flowers. It is a more 'open' design then subsequent chintz patterns which were usually very densely patterned. 

 

 


Summertime

A cream background with a profusion of roses, daisies, violets, harebells and other summer flowers.


Hazel

A mottled black background. The flowers consist of bouquets of yellow and pink roses, yellow and white narcissi edged with tulips and lilac sprays.


Sweet Pea

A pale yellow background with bright sweet pea flowers and leaves.

notable Chintz patterns were "Summertime," "Hazel," and "Sweet Pea"

 


 

Trade names used:

UPPER HANLEY POTTERY

STOKE POTTERY

ROYAL WINTON

RUBIAN ART

GRIMWADES

 

 

Marks used on ware for identification:

In 1900 the style changed from Brimwade Bros. to Grimwades (plural), marks with Grimwade 
or G Bros are the former Grimwade Brothers.   

Grimwades used a wide variety of marks, some for a short period of time. 

Some of their ware with the month/year of manufacture - so 8/22 would be August 1922. 

The name "Royal Winton Ware" was in use from as early as 1897 it was around 1929 that 'Royal Winton' was introduced as a recognisable trade name by Grimwades Ltd.  

 

 


this table of marks appears in the 1917 edition
of the Pottery Gazette Reference Book

 

 


 

Stoke Pottery marks

 


Stoke Pottery
this is the mark used by J Plant & Co -  the predecessor at Stoke Pottery

the registration number 218780 shows that the pattern was registered to 
J Plant & Co on the 21st September 1893 


Stoke Pottery
Melrose is the pattern name

c.1900+

this mark was used by Grimwades for a short period after they took over the Stoke Pottery of James Plant in 1900 


Grimwades
Staffs
S.P.
Made in England

The S. P. will refer to Stoke Pottery  

c.1900+

photo courtesy: Sam Anderson-Mangai

 

 

 


      

Upper Hanley Pottery marks

 


UHP
Grimwades
England 

UHP
Grimwades
Staffordshire England 

Upper Hanley Pottery
Grimwades
Staffordshire England 

c.1906-1911 

early 1906 the Upper Hanley Pottery company was wound up and Grimwades 
took on the business at the Brownfield Works until around 1911

 


 


G Ltd
Trade Mark
Stoke-on-Trent

c. 1900-1906 

Guelda is probably the pattern name 

the style of the 'G' is similar to that used by the predecessor Grimwade Bros.  

 


 


Grimwades
Trade Mark
Stoke-on-Trent

Carro will be the pattern name 


Grimwades
Stoke-on-Trent

there is often a single letter or number to the left of the central vase - it is not certain what this refers to 

this style of mark with the shell like vase in the centre is not well
documented it is likely to be c.1906 - early 1910s

 


 


G B
Winton
Stoke-on-Trent
England

Grimwades
Winton
Stoke-on-Trent
England

c.1906+

 


 


Grimwades
Potteries
England

c.1911+

 


Cube teapot marks  


The Cube
Made under license by
Grimwades Ltd
Stoke-on-Trent
England

Rubian Art Pottery


G. VI R.
1952
Grimwades 

plain white ware marked with the 
King George VI cipher were
made for the British Forces - this example was on a Cube coffee pot 


Robert Crawford Johnson patented The Cube teapot in 1917 - it was designed as non-drip, non-chip and easily stacked. It was widely used on ships, railways and in hotels and restaurants and was the world's largest selling patented teapot. 

A number of North Staffordshire potters produced this ware. 

Grimwades produced The Cube in many different patterns including Chintz, art deco, Willow, plain white. They also produced coffee pots, milk jugs and sugar bowls to complement the set. 

 


 

post 1930 marks


Grimwades
Stoke-on-Trent
England

Winton Ware
Grimwades
Stoke-on-Trent
England

c.1930+


 

 


Grimwades
England
Vitro Hotel Ware

Grimwades
Royal Winton Ivory
England

Grimwades
England

Royal Winton Ivory

Rubian Art Pottery
England 

c.1930+
around 1930 a series of simple marks was introduced - 
these could easily be added to the ware using a simple rubber stamp

 


 

Atlas China


Atlas 
Bone China 
England

Atlas China
Stoke-on-Trent
Grimwade
England

this style of mark was previously used by Atlas China Co 
who were taken over
by Grimwades in 1910 - it was revived with the Grimwades name c. 1930-36

c. 1934-39



 


Grimwades
Made in England
A

Royal Winton
Made in England
A

Summertime is the pattern name

marks with a letter 'A' likely indicate ware that was made under 
the Wartime Concentration Scheme of the Second World War 
- this patterned ware was probably for export -  

 


 


Royal Winton
Grimwades Ltd
Made in England

c. 1934-50

marks with a letter 'A' indicate ware that was made under the Wartime Concentration Scheme of the Second World War  


Rubina Art Pottery
Grimwades 
England

c. 1934-50

 


Royal Winton
Grimwades Ltd
Made in England

c. 1951+


Royal Winton
Made in England

c. 1951+

 

 


Winton Pottery Works 

- see more information on Winton Pottery -

 

  Winton Pottery
Winton Pottery
"Messrs. Grimwade Brothers established their Winton Pottery (Stoke) in about 1886.
 A wide range of useful and decorative earthenware was produced."
From: Jewitts 'Ceramic Art of Great Britain 1800-1900.


 


 

Mould Makers' Shop, Winton Pottery

 


 

plate making at the Stoke pottery

 


 

Aerographing for decorating by compressed air

 


 

Gilding and enamelling the Royal Winton Ware

 


 

| Grimwades and Davenport patterns |

 


Questions, comments, contributions? email: Steve Birks