William Brownfield

Famous Potters of Stoke-on-Trent

Brownfield, William (and Sons), Cobridge.
1850-91. Earthenwares, porcelain from 1871.

Formerly Wood and Brownfield.
Subsequently Brownfields Guild Pottery Society Ltd.

Brownfield, William

William Brownfield's Cobridge Works in Waterloo Road was built in 1808 and was occupied by several important firms before it was taken by Robinson, Wood & Brownfield (c.1836-41) and then by, Wood and Brownfield (1841-50).

From November 1, 1850, we find Brownfield working on his own account: however, up to 1871 he produced only earthenwares, his best-known products being perhaps the host of moulded jugs which often bear his initial mark 'WB', frequently within the Staffordshire knot device.

William Brownfield's entry in the 1861 Census returns shows that he was then aged 48, was an Alderman, a Country and Borough Magistrate. By trade he was an 'Earthenware manufacturer' employing 177 men, 114 women, 88 boys and 73 girls, a total of 452 persons. He was also a 'Flint Stone Merchant'.

In 1871 he took his first son into partnership, giving rise to the new trade style William Brownfield & Son. In that year two porcelains were added to the former earthenwares, stonewares: majolica and Parian wares. This new partnership produced a very good selection of well-designed, high quality porcelains including tablewares, and novel ornamental wares.

In 1892, the Brownfield's Guild Pottery Society was formed to continue the former William Brownfield's concern.

Mark: W.B

Distinguishing initials found on several printed impressed or moulded marks or differing design, 1850-71. Many moulded parian jugs bear these initial marks.

Brownfield pot - pattern "SADO"
the marks can be seen here