• John Meir had been producing pottery at the Greengates works from 1812. In 1837 he took his son Henry into partnership with him. Godden notes that "The son was Henry Meir (born c. 1812) who ran the firm for the greater duration." Godden's Guide to Ironstone, Stone and Granite Wares. 

• John died in April 1844. 

• In February 1857 two designs were registered as 'Charles Meir carrying on business of an Earthenware Manufacture, under the firm of John Meir and Son' [it is not know what relation Charles Meir was to John]

• The business continued as 'John Meir & Son' until the closure in 1897 and is recorded as such in a many of directories through the period of operation until 1896. A few directory entries also record the business as 'Henry Meir' and 'Henry Meir & Son' and the 1860 directory notes that Henry Meir succeeded John Meir & Son - however the style of the markings still reflects 'John Meir & Son' 

• In 1878 Llewellynn Jewitt records: "Greengate Pottery. — Messrs. Henry Meir & Son manufacture earthenware in all the usual services of the more ordinary classes" - The ceramic art of Great Britain... (1878) 

• Directory entries in 1862 and 1870 record the business as 'manufacturer of general earthenware and grinder of of potters' materials'.  

"Roselle - a pattern produced by John Meir & Son. It was registered in August 1848, and examples are printed in light blue. They are characterised by a border with hanging baskets of flowers in cartouche reserves."  The Dictionary of Blue & White Printed Pottery 1780-1880, Coysh & Henrywood.

This pattern was very popular and was continually produced throughout the companies operation. A full range of dinner and tea ware were available in various mono-colours including blue, green, purple and red. 

the British Registration diamond shows that the pattern was registered on the 26th August 1848

The inclusion of "England" in the mark indicates that the manufacturing date was post 1891

this mark includes the Stafford Knot

The Memnon shape was registered on the 4th February 1857.  

The registration details state: "Proprietor: Charles Meir carrying on business of an Earthenware Manufacture, under the firm of John Meir and Son"

photos courtesy: Tom McKeown

the British Registration diamond shows that the design was registered on the 4th February 1857

Ironstone China
I.  Meir & Son

both of these impressed and printed marks appear on this platter 

the British Registration diamond shows that the design was registered on the 3rd November 1863

sometimes the impressed mark is accompanied by a printed mark incorporating the British Royal Arms 

A typical romantic Chinese-style scene with a temple in the foreground

Other manufacturers produce ware with the same pattern (Brameld at the Rockingham Works, Swindon) and with the same pattern name (Everard, Colclough & Townsend).

'Ornithology' was a series of views with various birds in the foreground and trees, mountains, lakes in the background. 

 Marks variously include the manufacturers name in full or the initials 'I. M. & S.'

The incorporation of the 'American Eagle' probably indicates that it was made to appeal to the American market. 

Estevao Busk & Company were importers based in Rio Janeiro

Indian Tree is the pattern name

Northern Scenery was a popular series of patterns based on Scottish views  

'Bamboo' is the pattern name 

'Roselle' is the pattern name