Burnisher | Pottery industry Jobs

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Burnisher

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The ancient rubbing process of burnishing polishes the outside skin of a clay pot while greatly reducing its porosity. This finishing is done by hand, using a stone or a metal piece which is usually embedded in a wad of wet clay that perfectly fits the burnisher's hand.

 

1840 Report:-


In 1840 the House of Commons set up a commission to inquire into the state of children employed in the mines and  manufactories. Samuel Scriven visited the area of Stoke-on-Trent from December 1840 onwards to collect evidence.

 

this is one of his interviews of a 'burnisher' >>> 

 

Messrs. ALLCOCKS' Earthenware and China Factories, Burslem.
 
No. 191.- Sus. Wilcox, aged 10
I am an apprentice to Mr. Allcock, as a burnisher. Have been bound 12 months. There are three apprentices, and 30 or 40 young women working in the same room with me ; the three are under 13 years most all the women served their time here. We have no men or boys in the same room with us.
There are three superintendents looking over us; they are very kind to me sometimes: sometimes they give me a slap upon the back when I look off; my work ; that is all the punishment I get, except a scolding. I never forfeit pay for breakages. I get rewarded sometimes with a penny, when I'm a good girl; the burnishers give it, not the master.
I get 1s, or 1s. 6d. a week, and carry it home to mother. She stays at home to look after the children : she has five. I can read and write a bit; not much. I go to Sunday school ; went to a day school afore I came. I like my work very well, and should not like to leave it.

 

Messrs. ALLCOCKS' Earthenware and China Factories, Burslem.
 
No. 192.-Hannah Rogers, aged 12
I am an apprentice to the company as a burnisher; have served one year; we are bound for six. I ought to come in the morning at six, to sweep out, but sometimes come as late as seven; then I have to pay 2d. to another.
We do this work in turns, 20 of us. I go home at different times; it depends upon what I have to do. I don't know how much work I do; but when there's plenty I carry home 2s. Saturday nights: I give it to mother; she stays at home. Father is a gilder, and works here. I have one brother and three sisters.
I can read, but cannot write : my brother can read, my sisters cannot. I go to chapel school twice a day.

 

 

 

Examples of "burnishers" from the 1881 census for the Potteries area:-

 

1881 census:
Dwelling: 69 Lord St
Census Place: (Stoke Upon Trent) Shelton, Staffordshire, England

Name

Marr | Age | Sex

   Birthplace Occupation
Mary FOSTER  W 77 F  Head Etruria, Staffordshire Midwife
Lousia COATES  12 F Grand Daur Etruria, Staffordshire Half Time Scholar & Potters Burnisher

 

1881 census:
 Dwelling: 97 Brook St
Census Place: (Stoke Upon Trent) Shelton, Staffordshire, England

Name

Marr | Age | Sex

   Birthplace Occupation
Grace BENNETT  W 40 F Head Stoke, Staffordshire Burnisher Pot Works
Grace BENNETT 14 F Daur Stoke, Staffordshire Paintress Pot Works


 

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