The Origins of Fulham Pottery
The history of antique rustic pottery manufacture can be explored through the story of the Fulham Pottery, founded in Fulham, London, by John Dwight during the reign of Charles II, in 1672. He is the earliest clearly documented maker of stoneware in England, (although immigrant Dutch and German potters were producing stoneware in England several decades before him). Stoneware is a process of firing clay in which a smooth white glaze is produced, unlike the rough surface normally created. It is also notable for its hardness and close texture and was used for producing vessels to hold food and drink.
Innovation in Stoneware
Dwight also produced the first salt-glazed stoneware. Through experimentation he worked out the combination of materials, ratios and kiln temperature required, and precisely when to add the moist common salt, towards the end of the firing, as the kiln was at its hottest. Through this process chemical reactions occurred - the salt and water vapour produced hydrochloric acid gas which then combined with the silica of the clay to form a hard glass or glaze of silicate of soda. Since then salt-glazed stoneware has been used to create some of the best English rustic pottery.
Development and Decline
John Dwight was a fascinating and ingenious character, he had a Master of Arts Degree from Christ Church College, Oxford and was Secretary to several consecutive Bishops of Chester. His notebooks contain many curious recipes for the various pastes and ‘cleys’ which were the result of his numerous and laborious experiments. Excavations in the 1970s uncovered some of his coded and secret test pieces, dating between 1673–74, which he had buried in various places throughout the Pottery to ensure that they could not be copied.
He had five sons but it is not clear of the exact chronology of how the Pottery was passed on after his death, in 1703. It may be that the business initially passed to his son Dr Samuel Dwight, who died in 1737, but in any case it eventually passed to his niece Margaret Dwight, and her husband William White, and then down their family line.
During this time there was a decline in the quality of stoneware produced as the Pottery concentrated on tavern ware, which was popular. The Pottery remained in the family until 1862, when the last Mr White died, by which time it had “nearly fallen into ruin”. It then passed to Messrs MacIntosh and Clements but as one partner died suddenly it was sold again, and in 1864 it was bought by C J C Bailey.
Revival and Expansion
C J C Bailey set about reviving it. He made considerable alterations, improving production facilities and machinery in order to extend the manufacturing capability of the business. Stoneware production expanded to include domestic vessels, sanitary and chemical appliances. He also started producing jars for storing food, such as salmon paste and caviar, which was sold in grocer’s shops. The design of the jars was quite thick so that they were ideal to be chilled by ice in grocer’s shops, remaining cool whilst being carried home. Once home more ice could be applied to them to ensure the food remained fresh. These pots are now regarded as decorative antiques, they integrate beautifully in modern kitchens and elsewhere in the home as display features and are antique decorative items in their own right.
In addition, from the late 1860s onwards, the Pottery started producing antique ceramics - works of art in terracotta, china and pottery, with some famous names creating during this period. M Cazin, previously director of the School of Art at Tours was integral to the improvements in the stoneware department, and Mr Martin, a sculptor who started as a modeller and designer went on to create the famous Martin ware pottery. Fulham pottery was once again at the forefront, with much of its production being made according to Dwight’s original recipes.
Later Years and Legacy
However by 1888 the pottery was once again under new ownership and reverted back to mainly making salt-glazed stoneware, which continued until 1956. From then until its demolition in the 1980s it produced studio pottery. Today, all that remains of the original pottery is one large kiln, which is a Grade II listed building - a poignant reminder of Fulham's industrial past, and the fragility of pottery production.
Fulham Pottery at Mist Antiques
At Mist Antiques, in the Garden Antiques section, are the three very special and rare buff chimney pots shown in the image - wonderful examples of Victorian architectural salvage, now repurposed as decorative antiques, or for use as antique garden planters or garden ornaments. With their impressed stamps – C J C Bailey, The Pottery, Fulham, London they demonstrate that traditional Fulham stoneware is still relevant and appreciated today. Respecting the fascinating history of these rare survivors and the Pottery they came from adds to their unique place as garden antiques.