works

Redfern & Drakeford (Ltd)






 

Location and period of operation:

Redfern & Drakeford

Longton

1892

1933

 (See sources)

Redfern & Drakeford were china manufacturers operating at the Chatfield Works (c.1892-1902) and Balmoral Works (c.1902-33), in the town of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.

The business was formed in 1892 by Alfred Redfern and William Matthew Drakeford - later they were joined in partnership by John George Gell Norbury. In 1908 Alfred Redfern left the partnership and the business was carried on by Drakeford and Norbury - but the company retained the name REDFERN & DRAKEFORD.

In 1911 William Matthew Drakeford died, the business was carried on as REDFERN & DRAKEFORD and appears to have been run by Annie Drakeford (William's wife?) and John George Gell Norbury.

The business ceased manufacture in 1933 and the company was dissolved in Oct 1935. 

  

 

 

Subsequently taken over by Royal Albion China Co.

 

 

 

Redfern & Drakeford specialised in tea sets
Redfern & Drakeford specialised in tea sets

 

 

Initials & marks used on ware for identification:

R & D

BALMORAL CHINA

 

The marks often included a rampant lion

 

printed or impressed mark, c.1892-1909


printed or impressed marks, c.1892-1909

 

marks with the addition of "England" date from 1909-33

 

Location of the pottery works: 

 

Redfern and Drakeford, Balmoral Works, Boundary Side (off John Street)
Redfern and Drakeford, Balmoral Works, 
Boundary Side (off John Street) 

from..... 1907 Staffordshire Sentinel 
'Business Reference Guide to The Potteries, Newcastle & District'

 

location of the Balmoral Works - Boundary Side (off John Street) on a 1907 map
location of the Balmoral Works - Boundary Side (off John Street) on a 1907 map
the green line is the High Street (now Uttoxeter Road)

 

 

 


same area on 1922 map - the blue shape outlines the Balmoral Works 

 

Lower John Street ran alongside the Balmoral Works of Redfern and Drakeford
Lower John Street, Longton   c.1929-31
Lower John Street ran alongside the Balmoral Works of Redfern and Drakeford

- from the Lovatt Collections -

This photograph shows old terraced housing in John Street, Longton.  The John Street area was set back from the Longton High Street (Uttoxeter Road). Notice how close the housing is to the pot banks - the factories where the pottery ware was made and fired.  

The housing was amongst the worst in Stoke-on-Trent and was demolished in 1935. The fire Station now stands on this location.

 

 

Announcements in the London Gazette:  



The London Gazette, January 28, 1908
Persuant to the Partnership Act, 1890

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between Alfred Redfern, William Matthew Drakeford, and John George Gell Norbury, carrying on business as China Manufacturers, at Longton, Staffordshire under the style or firm of "REDFERN AND DRAKEFORD," has been dissolved by mutual consent as from the first day of January, 1908.
All debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said William Matthew Drakeford and John George Gell Norbury, who will continue to trade in co-partnership inder the said style or firm of "Redfern and Drakeford." - Dated this twenty-fourth day of January, 1908.

W.H. BRETON, Longton, Staffs, Solicitor for the three Partners. 


The London Gazette, 8 August, 1911

In the Matter of a Deed of Assignment for the benefit of Creditors, executed on the twenty-fifth day of April, 1911, by John George Gell Norbury and Annie Drakeford, as the executrix of William Matthew Drakeford, Deceased, the said John George Gell Norbury and William Matthew Drakeford, having traded as "REDFERN AND DRAKEFORD," at Balmoral Works, Longton, in the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent, China Manufacturers. 
The creditors of the above named firm of Redfern and Drakeford, who have not already sent in their claims, are required, on or before the 24th day of August instant, to send in their names and addresses, and particulars of their debts or claims to Charles Ernest Bullock, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Chartered Accountant, the Trustee under the said deed, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of the dividend proposed to be declared. — "Dated this 3rd day of August, 1911. 

W. H. BRETON, Commerce-street, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Solicitor for the above named Trustee.




notice of dissolution of the company - the company was finally dissolved by notice on the 4th October 1935

 

questions/comments/contributions?  Steve Birks