Robinson & Son

Location and period of operation:

  (See sources)

William Robinson and William John Robinson China manufacturer at the Foley China Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
NOTE: A firm of this name also worked at Longton c.1864-69

Previously: Robinson & Co. 

Subsequently: E. Brain & Co
The works were taken over in December 1884 by Elijah Brain when the partnership of Robinson & Son was dissolved
the name 'Robinson & Son' was retained until c.1903. 

The name "Foley" was used by other manufacturers: 
E. Brain & Co (successors to Robinson & Son) and Wileman & Co (who appeared to share the same works)

advert for Robinson & Son - from a 1892 trade directory
at this time the works were operated by Brain & Hawker

a photo of the Foley China Works when it was operated by E Brain & Co. Ltd. 

notice of dissolution of the partnership of of 
Robinson, Chapman & Hill in Sept 1875

notice of dissolution of the partnership of Robinson & Son
in Dec 1884 and the continuation of the business by 
Elijah Brain and William Hawker 

cup, saucer and side plate by Robinson & Son - in a Willow pattern   

Robinson & Son trio in Cineraria pattern 

Initials and Marks used on ware for identification:

R & S
L

FOLEY CHINA

R & S L established 1850

the L stands for Longton 
- the town that the factory was located in

an early mark without the name 'Foley China'

Cineraria is the pattern name  

Foley was a small district of Longton town

there were a couple of variations of the position of the 
initials R & S within the Stafford knot 

between c.1903-5 the company E. Brain & Co (sucessors to Robinson & Son)
used a similar trade mark

questions/comments/contributions? email: Steve Birks