 |
The
use of other clays and flints |
|
Source:
"The Borough of Stoke-upon-Trent" John Ward, 1843 |
The
use of other clays and flint:
"Soon
after the commencement of the 18th century, the whiter clays from
Dorsetshire and Devonshire began to be used by the Staffordshire Potters, in
washing or lining the insides, and ornamenting the outsides of their wares;
and, about the year 1720, a considerable improvement was made, by using
calcined flint-stone, at first as a wash or dip, and afterwards incorporating
it with the clays.
The
merit if first introducing Flint is generally attributed to Mr. William
Astbury, of Shelton,* who, in his journey to London, stopping at an inn at
Dunstable, notice the very soft and delicate nature of some burnt flint-stone,
when mixed with water (the ostler having used the powdered flint as a remedy
for a disorder in his horse's eyes); and thence conceived the idea of applying
it to the purposes of his trade."
*
Aikin's manchester, p. 526.
previous: use of slat glaze and the Elers brothers
next: Ralph Shaw, Aaron, Thomas and John Wedgwood
