The Middleport Pottery of Burgess and Leigh (opened 1888)  

Fettling and selection of biscuit ware

 

Location 17 on the plan

Next: the hand painting shop
Previous: the firing kiln

The fired biscuit ware 'fettled' by brushing to remove small bits of adhering clay
This has to be done in a booth with forced air extraction to prevent inhalation of the dust by the workers.
Ths was a Factory Act requirement to prevent Silicosis

Fired Toby Jugs of Winston Churchill ready for painting

after fettling the biscuit ware is 'selected' - that is checked for defects,
the good ware is passed on for decorating and the reject is broken up.

Next: the hand painting shop
Previous: the firing kiln