Swinnertons Ltd

Hanley

1906

c.1973

Earthenware manufacturer at various factories in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Swinnertons became a middle-tier pottery brand, known for quality everyday ware. Noted for transfer-printed patterns, especially in floral designs. Trade names included Olde Alton Ware's Blue Pagoda, Luxor Vellum, Nestor Vellum, Majestic Vellum.

They operated numerous factories, including three dedicated teapot works.

In 1885 Bertram John Swinnerton (b.1868 d.1913) began a factoring business at the Burton Place Works in Burton Place, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent - Swinnerton renamed this the Vulcan Works.
In 1906 Swinnerton began manufacturing at a works in Slippery Lane, Broad Street, Hanley - which Swinnerton also called the Vulcan Pottery.
Mr. H. Field was appointed as their London agent, showing their samples at his rooms, 106, Hatton-garden, E.C.
Became a limited company in 1911.
1911 - Bertram Swinnerton partnered with Walter Lindley in buying the Chelsea Works in Slippery Lane, off Broad Street, Hanley, from Cartlidge & Matthais.
Sadly in 1913 Bertram Swinnerton died by suicide.
Walter Lindley then took Victor G. Alcock into the business. Alcock becoming chairman.
Alcock was called up to to serve in the First World War. Lindley persuaded an old school friend William Bloore, who was sales manager at Wilkinsons pottery, to join the business.
In 1917 another factory, the Washington Pottery, was acquired. (this works was vacated by 1946).
In 1919, after the war, the three partners purchased the teapot factory of Smith & Co. and formed a new company: Messrs. Alcock, Lindley and Bloore.
They retained the name Swinnertons for the original business and the two companies operated as 'Allied Houses'.
In 1925, the Victoria Pottery was purchased, followed soon after by the purchase of the Scotia Pottery at Burslem, in the meantime, the teapot business had developed and a further teapot factory was added to the group.
The directors, now joined by the sons Mr. R.B. Bloore and Mr. W.S. Lindley, decided to build a new, single-storey factory, for the exclusive manufacture of Samian and Rockingham teapots.
In 1938 a start was made to rebuild the Vulcan Pottery, but it was interrupted by the Second World War. Both Swinnertons and Alcock, Lindley & Bloor continued manufacture during the war although some of the factories were closed.
Swinnertons remained open during the Second World War under the Wartime Concentration Scheme - they were permitted to produce undecorated domestic ware. They also produced canteen ware for the British armed forces.
August 1952 the redevelopment of the Vulcan Pottery was completed.
In 1952 the old-established business of Davison & Son Ltd., was purchased.
Trading at this time was still continued under the Swinnertons name.
William Bloor died in 1941, Walter Lindley in 1951 and Victor Alcock in 1958.
Following the death of Victor Alcock the Swinnertons group was taken over by the Lawley Group in 1959 and in 1964 the Lawley Group became part of Allied English Potteries (AEP).
The Swinnerton name was still in use by at least 1968.
In 1973 AEP merged with Royal Doulton and thus Swinnertons, among many other companies, became part of the Doulton group.

Bertram J Swinnerton

the founder of Swinnertons

Bertram John Swinnerton
(b.1868 d.1913)

photo acknowledgement: The Swinnerton Saga, August 2006

Burton Place, Hanley

the first Swinnerton factory

Burton Place,
Swinnertons, china and
earthenware manufacturers,
Vulcan Works

originally called the Burton Place Works, Swinnerton renamed it the Vulcan Works

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

Swinnertons Ltd.,
Established 1885
Hanley, Staffordshire
Manufacturers of Earthenware - Dinner & Tea Sets, Etc

Associated Company
Alcock Lindley & Bloore Ltd.
Established 1881
Hanley, Staffordshire
Manufacturers of Samian & Rockingham Teapots
Also sole makers of The Famous Non-Drip and Lock-Lid Teapots
under patents 477613 and 358746

Advert acknowledgement: Pottery Gazette Reference Book 1947

'Established 1885' for Swinnertons Ltd refers to the pottery factoring business started by Bertram John Swinnerton
'Established 1881' for Alcock Lindley & Bloore Ltd refers to the business of Smith & Co, a teapot manufacturer which was started in 1881. The Smith business was purchased by Swinnertons in 1919 and a new business Alcock Lindley & Bloore was formed.

Swinnertons Ltd. manufacturers of Earthenware Dinner & Tea Sets
Swinnertons Ltd, Hanley, Staffordshire

Allied House: Alcock, Lindley & Bloore Ltd.,
Manufacturers of Samian & Rockingham Teapots
Hanley, Staffordshire

Advert acknowledgement: Pottery Gazette and Glass Trade Review, November 1950

The Vellum ranges:

In 1940 they registered two styles "Luxor Vellum" (Reg No 837606) and Majestic Vellum (Reg No 837607).

Many varied and unrelated patterns were produced under each "Vellum" name and there appears to be little difference to separate the two.

There were more patterns produced under the Majestic Vellum name.

A further range "Nestor Vellum" was introduced, probably in the 1950s. There is a noticeable different in the style - most of the designs were more contemporary, lighter and simpler.

A range of tea ware with single pastel colours called Moonglo was produced under the Nestor Vellum name. In 1964 Swinnertons became part of the Allied English Potteries Group along with other pottery companies including Ridgways. The Moonglo range was continued under the Ridgway name.

A range of tea ware with single pastel colours called Moonglo was produced by Swinnertons under the Nestor Vellum name.

In 1964 Swinnertons became part of the Allied English Potteries Group along with other pottery companies including Ridgways. The Moonglo range was continued under the Ridgway name.

Swinnerton teapots:

All through their period of operation Swinnertons produced teapots in their own name, however the vast majority were made by the associated company Alcock, Lindley & Bloore.

In 1919 Swinnertons purchased the teapot factory of Smith & Co and formed a new company, Alcock, Lindley & Bloore. A 1941 article noted that the annual output of Alcock, Lindley & Bloore was over 4 million teapots [Pottery Gazette]


Olde Alton	'English Garden'	Nestor Vellum	Hampton Ivory	'Inca'

In the 1920s Swinnertons introduced a blue and white transferware pattern under the name 'Olde Alton Ware'.

There was only one pattern produced, which is in a style reminiscent of the Willow Pattern but based on the gardens at the Alton Estate some 30 miles east of Stoke-on-Trent. The pattern is sometimes called 'Japanese Garden' although the prominent Pagoda Fountain is in a Chinese style.

Originally a private estate of the Earls of Shrewsbury, Alton Towers' grounds were opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds.

The garden was begun by the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury. Amongst other features the themed gardens contain a Swiss Cottage, Stonehenge, Dutch garden, a Choragic Monument copied from Athens and the Pagoda Fountain, based on the To Ho pagoda in Canton, and many other features. The gardens are now part of the Alton Towers' Theme Park.

NOTE: The was a manufacturer of hand painted ware who used the name Alton Art Ware - this company had no relationship with Swinnertons.

The pattern appears to have been introduced in the 1920s and produced mainly in the 1920-1930 period.

The pattern was revived in the 1960s probably as a consequence of the Swinnertons group taken over by the Lawley Group in 1959.

Olde Alton Ware
England

the back-stamp uses an outline depiction of Alton Towers

Swinnertons
Hanley

c.1906-17

Swinnertons Ltd
Semi Porcelain
England

c.1917-30

Swinnertons
England

c.1930+

England

c.1930+

from 1930 onwards many of the
Swinertons marks incorporated
a lit oil lamp

The mark shown indicates that the ware was produced for and supplied to the British Government; it was ultimately property of the Crown/Government, hence the GR-VI Cypher.

This mark is there to distinguish the piece from being normal ‘utilitarian’ ware for public sale during the period surrounding the Second World War.

Swinnertons (and others) were given government contracts throughout the late 1930s and into the 1940s (WWII) and produced canteen ware - most likely for the armed services.

The year of manufacturer is generally included.

Swinnertons
Staffordshire
England

Swinnertons
Staffordshire
England

'Old Willow' is the pattern name

Swinnertons
Staffordshire
England

'Silverdale' is the pattern name

The Pottery Gazette (August 1, 1906)

"Swinnertons, Vulcan Works, Hanley, have appointed Mr. H. Field their London agent, and are now showing their samples at his rooms, 106, Hatton-garden, E.C. They have the exclusive distributing agency for the United kingdom of the production of J & G Meakin, Ltd, Hanley and among the samples of that firm's goods Swinnerton's have a large number of novelties in toilet services. One of the newest is the "Cairo" shape, a very attractive embossed design. It is shown in a number of shaded decorations of an up-to-date character. Mr. Field, their London representative, for many years represented Blizard & Isaacs, who have retired from business. Many of the shapes and patterns used by Blizard & Isaacs are now supplied by Swinnerton's and samples of them are on show at Mr. Field's rooms."

The Pottery Gazette (November 2, 1908)

"Swinnertons, Vulcan Works, Hanley, have their London rooms at 106, Hatton-garden, and are represented by Mr. H. Field. They have a large assortment of samples, toilet ware being their strongest line. They have shapes and decorations to suit all tastes in good medium class sets. The new shapes and decorations are full of variety, and are in accordance with modern taste. The "Assella" shape has a useful and graceful ewer and an oval basin with end tips as handles. The "Gem" shape is one of the most popular styles; as a well-modelled, graceful jug and deep round basin, without embossments. The plain surface invites a large variety of printed patterns. There are many pretty printed floral designs on this "Gem" shape…….. The "Radio" toilet shape is a new and pleasing production both as to shape and decoration. The company show some pretty lines in dinner ware, of which the "Pembroke" in one of the best. The vegetable dishes are oval in shape, and have many neat printed decorations in flown blue and canton. The "Empire" dinner ware is shown in various patterns printed and enamelled. The selection of tea ware is a good one in which there are many pleasing shapes in inexpensive printed decorations and gilt. The tea ware is very light, and is nicely modelled. The company have export goods suitable for all markets, and have many special shapes and decorations for the export trade. They keep very heavy stocks and are prepared to give smart delivery. They supply mixed crates, containing toilet ware and dinner ware, tea ware, and jugs assorted to suit customers."

The Pottery Gazette and Glass Trade Review (1919)

"Swinnertons, Ltd., Hanley, have made quite remarkable strides in a forward direction since it was my pleasure to last wait upon them some two or three years ago, and this in spite of the fact that "there has been a war on." Whereas, at that time, they only had one factory the "Vulcan" Works - now they are operating no less than three. This enables them to concentrate at the different factories on special lines, and so avoid many of the troubles that are inseparable from multiplicity and diversity of one's productions. At the Vulcan Works they are now able to specialise on toilet ware, trinket ware, dinner ware, and suite ware; at their "Washington" Works they are laying themselves out on the Continental plan of specialisation for the efficient and economical production of teas and saucers and plates merely, which the market is demanding in heavy quantities; and their latest acquisition is in the shape of a teapot factory, at which in future they will make their own Samian Jet, Rockingham and other teapots. As showing the enterprise of the firm, they have also secured land adjoining for further developments in the near future. The three factories are all moderately adjacent, having, so to speak, "Victoria Place." Shelton, as their hub. But apart from these developments, which in themselves interest me greatly, I was pleased to notice the advance which has been made during a state of war in the company's designs. They have a most entertaining selection of goods for the ordinary practical dealer in utilitarian and ornamental wares, and are showing many really good effects are extremely moderate prices. "

The Pottery Gazette and Glass Trade Review (June 1 1921)

"Swinnertons, Ltd., Vulcan Pottery, Slippery-la. Hanley… are now showing a better range than ever before…."

The Pottery Gazette and Glass Trade Review (April 2 1923)

"Swinnertons, Ltd., Vulcan & Washington Potteries, Hanley are a firm whose main policy for many years has been to provide domestic potter, in certain specialised branches, suitable for the requirements of the middle classes…."

The Pottery Gazette and Glass Record (August 1931)

"AROUND THE LONDON SHOWROOMS
There are some remarkably fine colour effects in the controlled litho patterns on the latest earthenware from Messrs. Swinnertons, Ltd., which Mr. H. Field is displaying at his showrooms, 16, Hatton Garden, E.C.1…….

…Among the teapots from the factory allied with Messrs. Swinnertons, that of Messrs. Alcock, Lindley and Bloore, Mr Field is showing a lock-lid pot with a new style of decoration called Rembrant….."

Pottery and Glass (December 1953)

"EARTHENWARE WITH A REPUTATION - 40 years of growth

Tableware of moderate price with pleasing patterns and a sound body has always been the aim of Swinnertons of Hanley. Their earthenware is thin, light and fine, and has typically a dark or light ivory body. To achieve this, the ingredients have to be well balanced and every process completely controlled. The potter's mill that had been used by the firm for some time was recently considered out of date economically, and not up to producing the quality required, so they purchased a 40-acre site outside Hanley on which a new mill has been built, the rest of the ground being earmarked for new developments later on.

If you can't buy it, make it
The company now controls a group of factories but its beginnings were in a factoring business started by the late Mr. B.J. Swinnerton at Burton place, Hanley, and its progress has been typical of the cohesion in business affairs which is the strength of the potteries. Finding he could not be sure of a continuous supply, he decided to buy a manufacturing plant and in 1911 he joined with the late Mr. W. Lindley, a practical potter of wide experience, in taking over a business at the Old Chelsea Works.
As this factory could only produce hollow-ware, the first extension, the forerunner of many others, was a biscuit intermittent oven, a range of potters' shops capable of producing a full line of dinner and tea ware, and a block of warehouses. On the death of Mr. Swinnerton, Mr. V.G.H. Alcock joined the firm, becoming its chairman.

Money in teapots - but no lead
During the first world war, the late Mr. W. Bloore joined the firm and another factory, the Washington Pottery, since sold, was acquired.
When a teapot manufacturing business came on the market, the three partners, Messrs. Alcock, Lindley and Bloore, decided to buy it, and so a new company was born. At this factory Rockingham glaze, which passed the low solubility test, was first introduced and is now used throughout the trade with a consequent elimination of lead poisoning, which up to that time had been very prevalent.
In 1925, as business was growing, the Victoria Pottery was purchased, followed soon after by the purchase of the Scotia Pottery at Burslem, in the meantime, the teapot business had developed and a further teapot factory was added to the group.
Realizing the trend of events, the directors, now joined by Mr. R.B. Bloore and Mr. W.S. Lindley, decided to build a new factory for the exclusive manufacture of Samian and Rockingham teapots. This single-storey factory embodied tunnel oven firing, mangle driers heated by waste hot air and with a labour-saving layout, with the emphasis on flow production.
In 1938 a start was made to rebuild the Vulcan Pottery, but it was interrupted by the second world war, and the scheme was finally completed last August, when the latest type of steam raising plant was installed. The boiler is of the economical, fully-automatic type. Emphasis was again laid on flow production in designing this factory and of course all the latest types of labour-saving machinery, some of which are the patent of Swinnertons', were installed. Tunnel ovens were included and open firing with a naked flame of city gas for both biscuit and glost was introduced to the trade of this country. During the whole of this rebuilding, not a single hour's work was lost by any operative.
In 1952 the latest acquisition of the group, the old-established business of Davidson & Son Ltd., was purchased. This factory has been completely brought up to date and has been given tunnel oven firing.

Pattern for Success
The control of these many factories is in the hands of the directors and of the works directors, Mr A.J. Lewis and Mr. H.C. Rogers, while the large sales organisation has been taken over by Mr. R.D. Bloore, from Mr. C.T. Parkes, whom illness has caused to retire to a consultative capacity…….