When Did Thomas Minton Start Up His Pottery?

Thomas Minton (1765-1836) was a famous British potter who established a pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK in 1793; the name of the company he founded was Thomas Minton & Sons. He is credited with producing some of the finest earthenware and bone china of that period and his company quickly established an international reputation and became one of the leading ceramic companies of the time. He employed various innovative techniques like the pate-sur-pate process that originated in Sevres, France.

Minton is known as the first engraver of the willow pattern ware and it was mainly due to his artistry that the style became popular later on. The company at first produced tableware and dinnerware later on adding ornamental china ware to its range. Minton's best moment came in 1851 when at the Crystal Palace Exhibition he was hailed posthumously as one of the best in his field in Europe. His son Herbert Minton continued his father's legacy and the company continued to be the best throughout the Victorian era in England. The factory is still in production till today as part of the Royal Doulton Group.