BROWNFlELD, William (1812-73), pottery manufacturer, Hanley.

WB was born in Hanley on 13 February1812, the son of Ralph Brownfield, earthenware manufacturer and Sarah nee Meigh. After working as a commercial traveller for his father's firm WB joined Robinson and Wood, using a works in Douglas Street and Arthur Street (in 1981 the Alexandra Pottery).

The firm, employing 500 people, made earthenware, blue-printed and iron-stone ware and hand-painted wares. W B exhibited at the major international exhibitions from1862. In1871 a new china works was built in Crane Street and a former Minton artist Ludwig (Louis) Jahn (q.v.) was engaged as art director. From 1846 WB also operated New Hall Mills in Brook (now Century) Street, Hanley. WB was a Liberal and supported J. C. Ricardo's candidacy in the parliamentary election for Stoke upon Trent in 1841.


<---Back