• Bamford was variously described in the Directories as China and Earthenware Toy and Ornament Manufacturer; China and Parian figure Manufacturer.

• It is said that the original works dated back to 1758. 

• At some time Bamford appears to have been in a partnership with Worthington & Green, which was dissolved in 1858 resulting an a number of auctons of ware.

• "Nelson Place, commenced in 1850 by its present proprietor, Mr. John Bamford. These works produce ordinary stone ware and Parian" - The Ceramic Art of Great Britian, 1978, Llewellynn Jewitt

• By the time of the 1871 census John Bamford was recorded as employing 14 men, 4 boys, 7 women, 2 girls

• The business closed in 1883.  

• After Bamford's works closed Elijah Cotton took over the site and built the Nelson Pottery in 1885.

"Prior to Elijah Cotton purchasing the site and (re)building his new works, the previous "Nelson Pottery" was owned by my Gr.Gr.Gr. Uncle, John Bamford. (Ref. the Staffordshire Potteries Directory for 1868).

The 1851 census has John (aged 30), his wife Cathering (nee Larkin), daughter Emily and sister in law Ruth Larkin (aged 20), living in Nelson Place. Ruth was a Figurine Maker and Burnisher (I gather that Ruth was a figure maker of some note). John is listed as a "Figure Maker Master employing 8 males and 8 females". 

The 1861 census has John as a "Figure Manufacturer (Potter) employing 4 men, 4 women, 7 boys and 8 girls". John & Catherine were now living in Harley St. 

The 1871 census has John as a "Parian Manufacturer employing 14 men, 4 boys, 7 women, 2 girls". John & Catherine were still living in Harley Street.

The 1881 census has John as a "Earthernware Manufacturer". John and Catherine were living at  23 Birch Terrace. 

Catherine died in 1882 and John died in 1890.

John's brother and family, my ancestors, lived just up the hill in Well & Edmund Streets. and all worked in the pottery industry - perhaps working for John?"

Graeme Bentley
Melbourne, Australia.