Robert Breweris stated to have been a brother to John Brewer. He was a pupil of Paul Sanby. On leaving the Derby works he commenced practising as a drawing master, and died in 1857.Benjamin Brocklesby, son of John Brocklesby, of Derby, labourer, was apprenticed, for seven years, on the 16th of September, 1783, to learn “the Art or Business of Painting Porcelain or China Ware.” On the 24th of August, 1787 (Mr. Duesbury, to whom he had been apprenticed, having died on the 30th October, 1786) he absconded, and on the 13th January, 1789, a warrant was issued for his apprehension, and endorsed to be executed in Middlesex and Westminster.George Broughton, a painter.Thomas Broughton, painter, 1776.Joseph Bullock, son of Joseph Bullock, of the borough of Derby, Framework Knitter, was bound apprentice on the 23rd September, 1765, by the same printed indentures “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain ware.”Sebastian Clais, a Frenchman, was employed as a painter about 1772–9.James Clarke, a painter and gilder, was apprenticed, and for nearly 30 years remained, at the works.William Cleaveywas also an apprentice, and became a flower-painter.George Cocker, born in Derby in 1794, was apprenticed at the Derby Works about 1808, as a figure maker, and continued to work there till 1817, when he removed to Coalport, where he is said to have been much employed in making raised flowers. He next, in connection with two partners, also workmen, commenced a small manufactory at Jackfield, which, however, was closed in a few months. He then got employment at the Worcester works, and in 1821 returned to Derby and again worked at the Derby China Works till 1826. In that year he left, and in partnership with another of the “hands,” Thomas Whitaker, commenced a china manufactory in Friar Gate, Derby, under the style of “Cocker and Whitaker.” The following is the announcement of the opening of these works:—“DERBY.—NEW CHINA WORKS,For the Manufacture of Porcelain Figures, Ornaments, &c.—MESSRS. COCKER and WHITAKER beg most respectfully to inform the nobility, gentry, and the public, that they have commenced the above business inFriar Gate, Derby, where they manufacture, and have now ready for inspection, and sale, a numerous assortment of Goods in Biscuit and Enamel, such as they hope will be found not inferior to anything of the kind at present produced in this kingdom.“Messrs. C. and W. have also a variety of TEA and DESSERT SERVICES of modern and approved patterns; and by arrangements already made, and a strict attention to the orders with which they may be favoured, they hope to obtain the honor of that patronage they now venture to solicit, and which it will ever be their most earnest endeavour to merit.“N.B.—Ladies or Gentlemen may have Figures, Ornaments, &c. executed from models or drawings of their own.“Friar Gate, Derby, Feb. 28, 1826.”Their place of business was at the bottom of Friar Gate, near St. Werburgh’s church; Cocker living on the opposite side of the street, a little higher up, where he erected a kiln and all the necessary appliances. The business, however, did not answer well; the partnership with Whitaker was terminated; and in 1840 Cocker removed with his family to London. Here, in Chenies Street, Tottenham Court Road, he carried on his business of china figure making, and had a small shop in Regent’s Quadrant for their sale. This again not answering, he, in 1853, obtained an engagement with Messrs. Minton and removed to Stoke-upon-Trent, where he died, at the age of 74, in 1868, His figures and busts, of which he produced a goodly variety, were of small size, and were produced both in biscuit and painted. They were very clever and meritorious. He also made, rather extensively, as they met a ready sale, small baskets of beautifully-formed raised flowers; and brooches and other trinkets in the same way. In these he was assisted by his sons, daughters, and nephew. Groups of animals were also produced.George Complinwas one of the most noted painters at the works, many of his landscapes being of high character. He must have been an old man in 1794, for in one of his letters (Sept. 18) of that year he says, “I think my hair admits of more respect.” In the same letter he speaks of his employment, “the variety I do, and the variableness of the work.”William Cooperwas a clever flower painter, 1770–76.William Cooper, son of Sarah Cooper, of Derby, was apprenticed for seven years on the1st of January, 1777, to learn the “Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.” His father also, I believe, had been employed at the works about 1770, to his death, in 1776.William Corden, born at Ashbourne, 28th Nov. 1797, and was apprenticed to the Derby China Works in 1811. He remained some time after the conclusion of his apprenticeship, and then commenced as a miniature and portrait painter. In 1829 he was employed in painting portraits at Windsor Castle, and from that time continued to receive royal commissions. In 1843 he was employed to paint by the Queen, and in the following year was sent by the Prince Consort to the Castle of Rosenau, in Coburg, to copy family portraits for him. He died at Nottingham, 18th June 1867. A workman named Corden was also connected with the Liverpool pot-works.William Cotton, a painter of landscapes and rural scenes, in the early part of this century.William Cresswell, a flower-painter.J. Dearewas a modeller of considerable note, in London, and was employed by Duesbury to model various groups and figures in 1784.William Dexter, a fruit, flower, and bird painter; became a noted enamel painter and draughtsman. He died in 1860, and his wife—Mrs. Dexter—was the celebrated costume lecturer on “Bloomerism.”Richard Dodson, a clever painter of birds, was the son of William Dodson, one of the late foremen.William Dixon, a painter of humorous figure subjects.John Duesbury, overlooker and private timekeeper.Elinwas a painter and gilder from 1786 to 1795.J. Farnsworthwas an apprentice, and remained when out of his time. He died in 1822.John Frost, son of William Frost, of Nottingham, was bound apprentice to Edward Phillips, “China or Porcelain Painter,” on the 16th of April, for seven years, “to learn the art of Painting upon Porcelain ware,” and on the 25th of February in the following year (1771) he was transferred, by fresh indenture, to Mr. Duesbury.William Gadsby, of Little Chester, mould maker, bound himself by agreement, dated September 2, 1772, for four years (“in the Art of Making Molds”), at ten shillings per week; Mr. Duesbury, in addition, agreeing “to give William Gadsby a Waggon Load of Coals at the end of every year.”William Hall, a flower-painter.John Hancock, son of George Hancock, of Derby, was bound apprentice for seven years, on the 29th of September, 1769, “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain or China Ware;” to receive 1s.6d.a week for the first year, 2s.for the second, 2s.6d.for the third, 3s.for the fourth, 4s.for the fifth, 5s.for the sixth, and 6s.for the seventh year. He became a very clever and successful flower painter. From Derby he is said to have gone to Swansea for a time, and from thence to have removed into Staffordshire. In 1786–7, he was settled at Hanley, where he seems to have remained many years, and occasionally supplied Mr. Duesbury with enamel colours. He had a brother (probably George Hancock) working for Mr. Duesbury in 1790. To him is due the invention of gold, silver, and steel lustre, which, according to his own account, written when at the age of 89, he first put in practice at Spode’s manufactory. After working at many places—Spode’s, Turner’s, and others—Hancock, about 1816, was engaged by Messrs. Wedgwood as colour-maker and manager of one of the departments of their works. He died in 1847, in the 90th year of his age. Some receipts of his and of Aaron Hancock are given in Shaw’s Chemistry. His five sons were all brought up to their father’s business.J. Hancock, jun. There appears to have been a second J. Hancock, who was an apprentice and who absconded. He is described as “5 ft. 5½ inches high; dark brown long hair; between 18 and 19 years of age; had on a dark blue coat with yellow metal buttons (rather too short for him), velvet breeches, and either a striped velvet waistcoat, or red and white washing waistcoat.”George Hancock, second son of John Hancock, removed to Derby in 1819, and became a painter at the Derby works; and in 1820 his elder brother, John, also was there engaged as a colour maker and painter. He died in 1840. George Hancock is said for a time to have been employed by Billingsley at Pinxton and at Mansfield. In 1835 he removed to Burton-on-Trent, having been engaged by Mr. Edwards for those works. After many changes he died in 1850. These two were uncles of Mr. Sampson Hancock, the proprietorof the present Derby China works, whose father was James Hancock. William Hancock, a son of the younger John, was one of the last apprentices at the Derby works, and is now one of the most successful designers in the potteries.William Hand, a handler and presser.Francois Hardenburg(lodged with a Mrs. Johnson), as he spelled it himself, or Heartenburg, as it was spelled by Mr. Duesbury, was a modeller in Derby in 1788 and 1789; having previously been employed at Caughley. On the 8th of December in the latter year, he was dismissed through repeated “idleness and ignorance.” “Brosley, February 16th, 1789. HondSir, I take the Libberty of wrightng to you not knowing aney other Name to truble in what I ham going to aske I am a pirson in bunisness was a frend and trusted Frances Hartinbirg. When at Mr. Turners Manufactory it was not in His power to pay me before he Left, but Promised to returne some as soon as he got worke as it is more than I Can afford to loose Shall Esteeme it as a great favor if you will be so good as to give leafe for one of your Servants to answer this to let me know if he is there or not as he is not so gratfull to answer aney letter That is sent to him. And ham Sir your Most Obed. and Humbe. Sarvt.,Ann Oakes. P.S. plest to Direct for Me at the Tirkes armes, near Jacfield in Brosley, Shropshire.” He afterwards resided in London.John Haslem, a very late painter of flowers, figures, and animals.John Henson, one of the last apprentices, became a partner with Mr. Hancock, in the present works in King Street; he died in 1873.Hickey,—“A MonsrMonsrHickey, pres l’Hotel d’Angleterre a Bruxelles,”—entered into negotiations with Mr. Duesbury in 1792; the correspondence having gone on since 1789. He was “a native of Ireland,” “a man of reputation,” and a clever painter, and “the first china burner in the world, who understands the whole from the beginning to the end; if he (Mr. Duesbury) would establish a Saxon manufactory,” &c.Hill, a native of Warwickshire (commonly known by the soubriquets of “Jockey Hill,” and “The Flying Painter,” through his partiality for horses and horse-racing), a landscape and flower painter of considerable note. After leaving Derby he settled in London as a buyer and seller of old Government stores, and died there about 1827.James Hill, one of the latest apprentices, became a clever flower-painter. At the close of the works he became one of the partners at the King Street works, and died in 1854.Holland, a flower painter.William Holmes, a modeller of small animals.William Horsley, kiln man or labourer, and private timekeeper, 1794.
Robert Breweris stated to have been a brother to John Brewer. He was a pupil of Paul Sanby. On leaving the Derby works he commenced practising as a drawing master, and died in 1857.
Benjamin Brocklesby, son of John Brocklesby, of Derby, labourer, was apprenticed, for seven years, on the 16th of September, 1783, to learn “the Art or Business of Painting Porcelain or China Ware.” On the 24th of August, 1787 (Mr. Duesbury, to whom he had been apprenticed, having died on the 30th October, 1786) he absconded, and on the 13th January, 1789, a warrant was issued for his apprehension, and endorsed to be executed in Middlesex and Westminster.
George Broughton, a painter.
Thomas Broughton, painter, 1776.
Joseph Bullock, son of Joseph Bullock, of the borough of Derby, Framework Knitter, was bound apprentice on the 23rd September, 1765, by the same printed indentures “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain ware.”
Sebastian Clais, a Frenchman, was employed as a painter about 1772–9.
James Clarke, a painter and gilder, was apprenticed, and for nearly 30 years remained, at the works.
William Cleaveywas also an apprentice, and became a flower-painter.
George Cocker, born in Derby in 1794, was apprenticed at the Derby Works about 1808, as a figure maker, and continued to work there till 1817, when he removed to Coalport, where he is said to have been much employed in making raised flowers. He next, in connection with two partners, also workmen, commenced a small manufactory at Jackfield, which, however, was closed in a few months. He then got employment at the Worcester works, and in 1821 returned to Derby and again worked at the Derby China Works till 1826. In that year he left, and in partnership with another of the “hands,” Thomas Whitaker, commenced a china manufactory in Friar Gate, Derby, under the style of “Cocker and Whitaker.” The following is the announcement of the opening of these works:—
“DERBY.—NEW CHINA WORKS,For the Manufacture of Porcelain Figures, Ornaments, &c.—MESSRS. COCKER and WHITAKER beg most respectfully to inform the nobility, gentry, and the public, that they have commenced the above business inFriar Gate, Derby, where they manufacture, and have now ready for inspection, and sale, a numerous assortment of Goods in Biscuit and Enamel, such as they hope will be found not inferior to anything of the kind at present produced in this kingdom.
“Messrs. C. and W. have also a variety of TEA and DESSERT SERVICES of modern and approved patterns; and by arrangements already made, and a strict attention to the orders with which they may be favoured, they hope to obtain the honor of that patronage they now venture to solicit, and which it will ever be their most earnest endeavour to merit.
“N.B.—Ladies or Gentlemen may have Figures, Ornaments, &c. executed from models or drawings of their own.
“Friar Gate, Derby, Feb. 28, 1826.”
Their place of business was at the bottom of Friar Gate, near St. Werburgh’s church; Cocker living on the opposite side of the street, a little higher up, where he erected a kiln and all the necessary appliances. The business, however, did not answer well; the partnership with Whitaker was terminated; and in 1840 Cocker removed with his family to London. Here, in Chenies Street, Tottenham Court Road, he carried on his business of china figure making, and had a small shop in Regent’s Quadrant for their sale. This again not answering, he, in 1853, obtained an engagement with Messrs. Minton and removed to Stoke-upon-Trent, where he died, at the age of 74, in 1868, His figures and busts, of which he produced a goodly variety, were of small size, and were produced both in biscuit and painted. They were very clever and meritorious. He also made, rather extensively, as they met a ready sale, small baskets of beautifully-formed raised flowers; and brooches and other trinkets in the same way. In these he was assisted by his sons, daughters, and nephew. Groups of animals were also produced.
George Complinwas one of the most noted painters at the works, many of his landscapes being of high character. He must have been an old man in 1794, for in one of his letters (Sept. 18) of that year he says, “I think my hair admits of more respect.” In the same letter he speaks of his employment, “the variety I do, and the variableness of the work.”
William Cooperwas a clever flower painter, 1770–76.
William Cooper, son of Sarah Cooper, of Derby, was apprenticed for seven years on the1st of January, 1777, to learn the “Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.” His father also, I believe, had been employed at the works about 1770, to his death, in 1776.
William Corden, born at Ashbourne, 28th Nov. 1797, and was apprenticed to the Derby China Works in 1811. He remained some time after the conclusion of his apprenticeship, and then commenced as a miniature and portrait painter. In 1829 he was employed in painting portraits at Windsor Castle, and from that time continued to receive royal commissions. In 1843 he was employed to paint by the Queen, and in the following year was sent by the Prince Consort to the Castle of Rosenau, in Coburg, to copy family portraits for him. He died at Nottingham, 18th June 1867. A workman named Corden was also connected with the Liverpool pot-works.
William Cotton, a painter of landscapes and rural scenes, in the early part of this century.
William Cresswell, a flower-painter.
J. Dearewas a modeller of considerable note, in London, and was employed by Duesbury to model various groups and figures in 1784.
William Dexter, a fruit, flower, and bird painter; became a noted enamel painter and draughtsman. He died in 1860, and his wife—Mrs. Dexter—was the celebrated costume lecturer on “Bloomerism.”
Richard Dodson, a clever painter of birds, was the son of William Dodson, one of the late foremen.
William Dixon, a painter of humorous figure subjects.
John Duesbury, overlooker and private timekeeper.
Elinwas a painter and gilder from 1786 to 1795.
J. Farnsworthwas an apprentice, and remained when out of his time. He died in 1822.
John Frost, son of William Frost, of Nottingham, was bound apprentice to Edward Phillips, “China or Porcelain Painter,” on the 16th of April, for seven years, “to learn the art of Painting upon Porcelain ware,” and on the 25th of February in the following year (1771) he was transferred, by fresh indenture, to Mr. Duesbury.
William Gadsby, of Little Chester, mould maker, bound himself by agreement, dated September 2, 1772, for four years (“in the Art of Making Molds”), at ten shillings per week; Mr. Duesbury, in addition, agreeing “to give William Gadsby a Waggon Load of Coals at the end of every year.”
William Hall, a flower-painter.
John Hancock, son of George Hancock, of Derby, was bound apprentice for seven years, on the 29th of September, 1769, “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain or China Ware;” to receive 1s.6d.a week for the first year, 2s.for the second, 2s.6d.for the third, 3s.for the fourth, 4s.for the fifth, 5s.for the sixth, and 6s.for the seventh year. He became a very clever and successful flower painter. From Derby he is said to have gone to Swansea for a time, and from thence to have removed into Staffordshire. In 1786–7, he was settled at Hanley, where he seems to have remained many years, and occasionally supplied Mr. Duesbury with enamel colours. He had a brother (probably George Hancock) working for Mr. Duesbury in 1790. To him is due the invention of gold, silver, and steel lustre, which, according to his own account, written when at the age of 89, he first put in practice at Spode’s manufactory. After working at many places—Spode’s, Turner’s, and others—Hancock, about 1816, was engaged by Messrs. Wedgwood as colour-maker and manager of one of the departments of their works. He died in 1847, in the 90th year of his age. Some receipts of his and of Aaron Hancock are given in Shaw’s Chemistry. His five sons were all brought up to their father’s business.
J. Hancock, jun. There appears to have been a second J. Hancock, who was an apprentice and who absconded. He is described as “5 ft. 5½ inches high; dark brown long hair; between 18 and 19 years of age; had on a dark blue coat with yellow metal buttons (rather too short for him), velvet breeches, and either a striped velvet waistcoat, or red and white washing waistcoat.”
George Hancock, second son of John Hancock, removed to Derby in 1819, and became a painter at the Derby works; and in 1820 his elder brother, John, also was there engaged as a colour maker and painter. He died in 1840. George Hancock is said for a time to have been employed by Billingsley at Pinxton and at Mansfield. In 1835 he removed to Burton-on-Trent, having been engaged by Mr. Edwards for those works. After many changes he died in 1850. These two were uncles of Mr. Sampson Hancock, the proprietorof the present Derby China works, whose father was James Hancock. William Hancock, a son of the younger John, was one of the last apprentices at the Derby works, and is now one of the most successful designers in the potteries.
William Hand, a handler and presser.
Francois Hardenburg(lodged with a Mrs. Johnson), as he spelled it himself, or Heartenburg, as it was spelled by Mr. Duesbury, was a modeller in Derby in 1788 and 1789; having previously been employed at Caughley. On the 8th of December in the latter year, he was dismissed through repeated “idleness and ignorance.” “Brosley, February 16th, 1789. HondSir, I take the Libberty of wrightng to you not knowing aney other Name to truble in what I ham going to aske I am a pirson in bunisness was a frend and trusted Frances Hartinbirg. When at Mr. Turners Manufactory it was not in His power to pay me before he Left, but Promised to returne some as soon as he got worke as it is more than I Can afford to loose Shall Esteeme it as a great favor if you will be so good as to give leafe for one of your Servants to answer this to let me know if he is there or not as he is not so gratfull to answer aney letter That is sent to him. And ham Sir your Most Obed. and Humbe. Sarvt.,Ann Oakes. P.S. plest to Direct for Me at the Tirkes armes, near Jacfield in Brosley, Shropshire.” He afterwards resided in London.
John Haslem, a very late painter of flowers, figures, and animals.
John Henson, one of the last apprentices, became a partner with Mr. Hancock, in the present works in King Street; he died in 1873.
Hickey,—“A MonsrMonsrHickey, pres l’Hotel d’Angleterre a Bruxelles,”—entered into negotiations with Mr. Duesbury in 1792; the correspondence having gone on since 1789. He was “a native of Ireland,” “a man of reputation,” and a clever painter, and “the first china burner in the world, who understands the whole from the beginning to the end; if he (Mr. Duesbury) would establish a Saxon manufactory,” &c.
Hill, a native of Warwickshire (commonly known by the soubriquets of “Jockey Hill,” and “The Flying Painter,” through his partiality for horses and horse-racing), a landscape and flower painter of considerable note. After leaving Derby he settled in London as a buyer and seller of old Government stores, and died there about 1827.
James Hill, one of the latest apprentices, became a clever flower-painter. At the close of the works he became one of the partners at the King Street works, and died in 1854.
Holland, a flower painter.
William Holmes, a modeller of small animals.
William Horsley, kiln man or labourer, and private timekeeper, 1794.
Samuel Key, son of Thomas Key, of Derby, who let out horses for hire, was, in 1785, apprenticed to Mr. Duesbury, and died in 1850, in his 80th year. He was a painter of considerable skill, especially in the fashionable Dresden style. After leaving Derby, he worked for Minton’s at Stoke-upon-Trent. He drew up a MS. account of the old Derby China Works, from memory, in 1837, of which he seems to have made two or three copies; one of these is in my own possession. Three of his sons, John, a flower-painter; Edward, a modeller; and Samuel, also a modeller; were apprenticed at the works. The latter became a famous modeller, and his statuettes of theatrical celebrities and others were of a high order and became popular. He removed into Staffordshire.John Key, son of Samuel Key, also an apprentice, was a clever painter of flowers, and afterwards a teacher of drawing, but died young. His brother Samuel is a clever modeller.Joseph Lakinwas employed in 1789.John Lawrence, “repairer,” was one of the earlier hands, and in 1772 he, along with Robert Askew the younger, absconded while under articles of agreement, and was advertised in the Birmingham papers. On April 11, 1790, he wrote, “I now am in employ for Mr.Turner, the Salop china manufactory.” This was after he left Derby. In July of the same year, dating from “Broasley, July 12, 1790,” he desires letters to be addressed to him “at the China Works, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire.”Stephen Lawrencewas a clever moulder of ornamental ware.Cuthbert Lawton, orLowton, was a painter of figures and general subjects, including hunting scenes, which are said to have been his forte.Leonard Lead, of Belper, “wood collier,” executed articles of agreement on the 20th May, 1790, by which he bound himself to “burn, manufacture, and convert into charcoal in a good and workmanlike manner, all the cord wood which he the said William Duesbury shall have occasion to have converted into charcoal;” not to work for any one else when he has any in hand for him; and to be paid 7d.a quarter for every quarter of charcoal so made. In this he continued till 1795, when Mr. Duesbury finally gave up the use of charcoal. In a letter of Lead’s he says that “for generations back, both of father’s side and mother’s, have followed the above-mentioned business” of “coaling and cording line”—i.e., charcoal burning. A son of his, of the same name, was, I believe, apprenticed at the works as a flower-painter.William Longdon, sen., was a china painter of considerable note at the Derby Works.William Longdon, jun., son of William Longdon, sen., china painter, became an apprentice to Mr. Duesbury, July 5th, 1790, “for painting or embellishing porcelain or earthenware.” In an order in bastardy in 1799, he is described as a “china-painter.”John Lovegrove(the same as named on page 58 in my notice of the Cock-pit Hill Works),Edmund Hopkinson, andJoseph Kirkland, gilders.William Lovegroveentered into an agreement to work for Duesbury.Daniel Lucas, a landscape and general painter, died in 1867. His sons, John, William, and Daniel, were all apprenticed at the Derby works.Maclachlan, a painter of landscapes.Thomas Mason, of Derby, “China or Porcelain repairer,” bound himself by an agreement, dated September 2, 1772, for four years to Mr. Duesbury, at one guinea per week; Mr. Duesbury, by an additional clause, promising “to make Thomas Mason a present of five guineas at the end of each year over and above what is specified in the articles (according to his service).” Later on a Thomas Mason was a timekeeper.M. Masonwas an apprentice to Mr. Duesbury as a painter. He left Derby and engaged himself to Mr. Barr of Worcester, in October, 1792.George Mellor, whose forte was painting flowers and insects, was an apprentice but left and went to Pinxton. After that he was employed at Coalport, and then in Staffordshire, but returned to the Derby works. He died in 1861. His son, George Mellor (now of London), was also a painter and gilder, as likewise was his daughter Sarah.William Moore,Edward Belfield,John Morledge,Thomas Trundell, andJoseph Shipley, were throwers in 1774–6.John Morlidge, son of William Morlidge, of Derby, hatter, was apprenticed for seven years, on the 21st August, 1777, “to learn the Art of Repairing of China or Porcelain Ware.”Mullins, a figure and landscape painter, was engaged for one year certain to come down from London in 1795, to paint in enamel on porcelain by the piece, at a fixed scale of charges, on which for the first month he was to have 20 per cent., and the second month 10 per cent. additional. The prices, in the original list in my possession, are very curious.John Musgrove, kiln man and labourer about 1796.William Pegg, a Quaker, was a remarkable man in more ways than one. He was a tolerably clever painter, but of a very erratic and changeable character, and a religious enthusiast; indeed, judging from his writings, there can be but little doubt that he was not in all things perfectly sane. He wrote a singular account of himself, “Traits in the singular life of that persecuted man, for his obedience to the Truth, WmPegg, who joined the Society of the People called Quakers in the year 1800,” in which he traced his descent from Abraham, “who is said to be the Father of the Faithful,” because his family were of the seed of Esau, red; and that on his mother’s side he was descended from Ishmael, because she (his mother) and “all her kin are swarthy and marked with a brown freckle.” William Pegg was the son of Thomas Pegg, of Etwall, near Derby, who was a gardener at Etwall Hall, and a member of the parish choir, where he played the hautboy; from here he removed to Whitmore, in the Staffordshire potterydistrict. William Pegg was born in 1775, and two years afterwards his father removed to Shelton, where, at the age of ten, William Pegg was sent to work at a pottery. At fourteen he was put to learn the painting on china and earthenware, and when of age removed to Derby, and engaged himself at the china works till he was twenty-three, when he gave it up, and took to the stocking frame, at which he worked at one place or other for twelve years. He then, in 1812, returned to his old occupation, “making drawings and pictures and painting china,” till 1820, when he again gave it up, and commenced a small shop. He married Anne Hendley of Derby in 1814, and died in 1851. Pegg was a clever painter of flowers, and his productions had the merit of being, in almost every instance, painted from nature.Thomas Pegg, a brother of William Pegg, was one of the gilders for many years.William Pegg, of a different family, was an apprentice at the works in the beginning at the present century, but left, and became a clever designer for calico printers.Robert Pennington, painter, 1775.Edward Phillips, of Derby, “China or Porcelain Painter,” by agreement entered into September 2, 1772, bound himself as a china painter, at twenty-five shillings per week. He afterwards, I believe, removed into Staffordshire, where he carried on business on his own account.John Porter, son of Elizabeth Porter, of Spoondon, widow, was apprenticed for seven years, on the 7th of April, 1777, “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.”Henry L. Pratt, a landscape painter, was apprenticed at the Derby works, and afterwards, employed in Staffordshire. He became a clever artist in oil, and died in 1873.E. Prince, a landscape painter.Richard Roberts, one of the Chelsea workmen, under Duesbury at Chelsea, was a soldier and pensioner at Chelsea Hospital, and was allowed occasional furlough to paint at Derby. Mr. Duesbury endeavoured to procure his discharge, so that he might remain with him. Here is one of the orders regarding him: “By Order of Sir George Howard, K.B., General of His Majesty’s Forces, and Governor of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. Permit the Bearer, Richard Roberts, a pensioner in the above-said Hospital to pass from hence to Darby in Darbyshire, for the space of Two Months from the Date hereof, and then to return to the above-said Hospital. He behaving as becomeith. Given under my hand this first Day of Decr. 1781.“L. Grant, Adjt.”George Robertson, a landscape painter, died in 1835.Robinson, a landscape painter.John Rockley, labourer; agreement for three years, from 1795 and forward, at 9s.per week to be employed in the kilns, or in any other manner.Thomas Rodgerswas employed, at all events, from 1778 in which year his wages were raised a shilling per week. He received this addition for three years (£7 16s.) in January, 1782, after that, till 1793, he received an addition of 3s. a week.Thomas Rogers, timekeeper and labourer, 1780–95.Jonathan Rose, a painter, came from London to Derby in 1780, and was employed some time.James Rowse, a late flower-painter. Now employed at the King Street Works.Sartinewas a modeller in London, employed by Duesbury in 1790, on the recommendation of Vulliamy, to model figures.Charles Sheen, a clever thrower and presser, formerly of Worcester, and in 1791, at the New Hall works at Shelton, was engaged for Derby.Thomas Simes(orSims) was an apprentice, from the age of 11 to 21, to Mr. Duesbury; in 1792 he absconded, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension, and endorsed for the county of Stafford.Mundy Simpson, a gilder and general painter.William Slater, born at South Normanton, was an apprentice at the Pinxton works, but came to Derby in 1813. He was a good general painter. He died in Staffordshire in 1867. Two of his sons, William and Joseph, were apprenticed at the Derby works. They and their sons rank among the best painters in the Staffordshire potteries.Constantine Smith, of Derby, in the county of Derby, preparer of colours and porcelain painter and enameller, was one of the best “hands” at the Derby works. On the 28th of October, 1773, his son William Smith was bound apprentice to him.William Smith, who had on the 28th October, 1773, been bound apprentice to his father, Constantine Smith, to learn “the art of preparing colours, and Painting and Enameling Porcelain,” agreed with Mr. Duesbury, to whom he had “finished his time,” and been since employed, in 1790, to employ himself “in preparing enamel colours, painting china, or otherwise at the discretion of Mr. Duesbury.” Up to this time he had been receiving a guinea a week, but on the signing of this fresh agreement Duesbury was to pay him £10 down, and to raise his wages to 25s.Joseph Smithwas a landscape painter; he had 7s.a dozen for painting teas No. 115 in 1792.William Smith, son of Hannah Smith, of Derby, agreed “to make colours for painting on china or porcelain ware,” and by covenant entered into on the 23rd of November, 1778, agreed as follows:—“I do hereby promise to pay to my mother, Hannah Smith, weekly, and every week, out of the wages I may get under MessrsDuesbury & Co., the sum of eighteen shillings, to commence from this date and expire the 28th October, 1780. Witness my hand, this 23dNovr1778.—W. Smith.”Thomas Soarewas an apprentice to Duesbury, and afterwards employed by him. He was son of —— Soare, of Little Chester, and was a clever gilder and arabesque painter. After leaving the China Works, Thomas Soare commenced, in 1810, a small business on his own account. The following is his advertisement, copied from the “Derby Mercury” of April 5th, 1810:—“Enamelled China.—Thomas Soare, with the greatest respect, begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Public at large that he enamels Dessert, Breakfast, and Tea Services with Arms, Crests, Cyphers, &c., in the most elegant manner and on the most reasonable terms. His long experience in the Derby Porcelain Manufactory encourages him to look with confidence for support, which it will be his study to deserve and his pride to acknowledge. N.B.—Ladies instructed to Paint china at their own apartments, on reasonable terms. Navigation Row, near St. Mary’s Bridge, Derby.”Thomas Southall, “son of Humphrey Southall, of the Borough of Derby, Pincher,” was apprenticed on the 25th of December (Christmas Day) 1772, for seven years “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.”J. Stables, a clever gilder, was employed for very many years.John Stanesby, a flower painter in the latter days of the works.Thomas Steele, one of the later and more celebrated painters of flowers and fruit, in the latter of which he excelled. He died in 1850, in his 79th year. Three of his sons, Edwin, Horatio, and Thomas, were apprenticed at the works.Martin Stephens, then of Duke Street, St. James’s, London, signed articles of agreement in 1794.Francis Stone, a skilled workman, was employed at all events from 1770 to 1772, and probably much longer.JosephandThomas Tatlowwere late apprentices and became clever painters.Taylor, at first a blue painter, afterwards became a clever arabesque and Indian pattern painter. He painted the centres of a service of plates for Mr. Digby in 1784.James Turner, a late flower-painter.S. orJ. Vidal, a painter, who, in August, 1793 till May, 1795, was living at “No. 1, Grosvenor Row, near the Bun-house, Chelsea,” arranged, in the latter year, to leave London for Derby “for six months every year, from June to January.” In 1793, he had sent specimens of his flower-painting to Mr. Duesbury, and in doing so said, “As I have not painted anything on china in this country, I am for that reason induced to show what I am capable of doing in that line, being perfectly master of the employment and direction of employing the colors, having painted for about eleven years in the Porcelaine line,” &c.John Wardle, “china painter” in 1800 (so described in an affiliation order).Wathews, a thrower and presser, was employed in 1787–90.William Watson, a general painter.H. Webber, a noted modeller, was employed in London by Mr. Duesbury, and afterwards, in 1795, removed to Derby; the terms of his engagement being shown in a letter from which the following is an extract:—“London, Wedy, July 15, 95.No4, Lisson Grove,near Lisson Green.“Dear Sir,—When I had the pleasure of seeing you in Town, I understood (or rather misunderstood) you was about to depart for the Lakes; not for Derby: Therefore I had no intention of writing to you ’till I shou’d have heard of yourreturn home;—But a call from MrLygo has set me right on that head, and I lose no time to perform my promise; which I think was, that as soon as I cou’d make up my mind on the matters spoken of, to communicate it to you. Permit me then Sir briefly to say, that the terms you propose—namely £100 pr. Anm. I accept; with the allowance of a months vacation in the year without deduction. But I find many obstacles arise which I am sorry for—the detail of which I will not trouble you with; but only beg leave to point out one of them,—which is—how to get a tenant for the house I live in, and what relates to it. However, I have requested the favor of Mr. Lygo to speak of it to any friend he may suppose wou’d wish such a thing, and have also spoken to other acquaintances and friends; and you may rest assur’d Sir, that as soon as I can get rid of this Stumbling-block (which is indeed the principal), I shall not fail to use the utmost diligence in doing away every other in hope to realize the pleasure I anticipate of paying my respects to you at Derby. I am Sir, with Deference and Regard, Your Most obedtand very Humble Servant,H. Webber.”Moses Webster, a flower-painter, was an apprentice, and afterwards employed at the works. He was afterwards a teacher of drawing, and died in 1870.John Wells, a labourer, to be employed in any part of the manufacture of china; fresh articles of agreement dated 1794.William Wheeldon(whose mother was a sister of the wife of William Billingsley), was a clever flower painter.John Whitaker, one of the workmen, in partnership with Mr. Cocker, began in February, 1826, a china manufactory in Friargate, Derby, but he failed in the same year. His son, John Whitaker, began to work at the Derby China Works in 1818, when only eleven years old, and in 1821 (Feb. 23rd) was bound apprentice to Mr. Blore. In 1831 he became overlooker, and so continued until the close of the works. Later on he was employed at Minton’s and other places. He died in 1874.Richard Whitaker, a thrower and presser, employed in the ornamental department, in which he was very clever, from about 1769 till 1786, when he died.William Wingfield, apprenticed at the works, was a clever modeller, but died young.John Winrow, son of John Winrow, of Duffield, Innholder, was apprenticed, by the same printed indentures, for seven years, on the 6th of June, 1766, “to learn the Art of Painting on China or Porcelain ware.”Edward Withers, “of London, porcelain or china painter,” entered into an agreement with Mr. Duesbury, on the 8th of May, 1789, engaging himself for three years from the 27th of September in that year “as a painter on porcelain” at the rate of 3s.6d.per day. It is said that he had previously been employed at Derby, and from thence removed into Staffordshire, where he worked as a china painter; then to Birmingham, where he worked as a painter of japanned tea-trays. He is stated to have died in Bridge Gate, Derby. A William Withers, potter, residing in 1778 at Rotherham, was in that year a voter at Derby.William Yates, a gilder.John Yates, general and flower painter and gilder, apprenticed to, and afterwards employed by Duesbury about 1772. He is said to have excelled in hunting subjects and flowers.
Samuel Key, son of Thomas Key, of Derby, who let out horses for hire, was, in 1785, apprenticed to Mr. Duesbury, and died in 1850, in his 80th year. He was a painter of considerable skill, especially in the fashionable Dresden style. After leaving Derby, he worked for Minton’s at Stoke-upon-Trent. He drew up a MS. account of the old Derby China Works, from memory, in 1837, of which he seems to have made two or three copies; one of these is in my own possession. Three of his sons, John, a flower-painter; Edward, a modeller; and Samuel, also a modeller; were apprenticed at the works. The latter became a famous modeller, and his statuettes of theatrical celebrities and others were of a high order and became popular. He removed into Staffordshire.
John Key, son of Samuel Key, also an apprentice, was a clever painter of flowers, and afterwards a teacher of drawing, but died young. His brother Samuel is a clever modeller.
Joseph Lakinwas employed in 1789.
John Lawrence, “repairer,” was one of the earlier hands, and in 1772 he, along with Robert Askew the younger, absconded while under articles of agreement, and was advertised in the Birmingham papers. On April 11, 1790, he wrote, “I now am in employ for Mr.Turner, the Salop china manufactory.” This was after he left Derby. In July of the same year, dating from “Broasley, July 12, 1790,” he desires letters to be addressed to him “at the China Works, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire.”
Stephen Lawrencewas a clever moulder of ornamental ware.
Cuthbert Lawton, orLowton, was a painter of figures and general subjects, including hunting scenes, which are said to have been his forte.
Leonard Lead, of Belper, “wood collier,” executed articles of agreement on the 20th May, 1790, by which he bound himself to “burn, manufacture, and convert into charcoal in a good and workmanlike manner, all the cord wood which he the said William Duesbury shall have occasion to have converted into charcoal;” not to work for any one else when he has any in hand for him; and to be paid 7d.a quarter for every quarter of charcoal so made. In this he continued till 1795, when Mr. Duesbury finally gave up the use of charcoal. In a letter of Lead’s he says that “for generations back, both of father’s side and mother’s, have followed the above-mentioned business” of “coaling and cording line”—i.e., charcoal burning. A son of his, of the same name, was, I believe, apprenticed at the works as a flower-painter.
William Longdon, sen., was a china painter of considerable note at the Derby Works.
William Longdon, jun., son of William Longdon, sen., china painter, became an apprentice to Mr. Duesbury, July 5th, 1790, “for painting or embellishing porcelain or earthenware.” In an order in bastardy in 1799, he is described as a “china-painter.”
John Lovegrove(the same as named on page 58 in my notice of the Cock-pit Hill Works),Edmund Hopkinson, andJoseph Kirkland, gilders.
William Lovegroveentered into an agreement to work for Duesbury.
Daniel Lucas, a landscape and general painter, died in 1867. His sons, John, William, and Daniel, were all apprenticed at the Derby works.
Maclachlan, a painter of landscapes.
Thomas Mason, of Derby, “China or Porcelain repairer,” bound himself by an agreement, dated September 2, 1772, for four years to Mr. Duesbury, at one guinea per week; Mr. Duesbury, by an additional clause, promising “to make Thomas Mason a present of five guineas at the end of each year over and above what is specified in the articles (according to his service).” Later on a Thomas Mason was a timekeeper.
M. Masonwas an apprentice to Mr. Duesbury as a painter. He left Derby and engaged himself to Mr. Barr of Worcester, in October, 1792.
George Mellor, whose forte was painting flowers and insects, was an apprentice but left and went to Pinxton. After that he was employed at Coalport, and then in Staffordshire, but returned to the Derby works. He died in 1861. His son, George Mellor (now of London), was also a painter and gilder, as likewise was his daughter Sarah.
William Moore,Edward Belfield,John Morledge,Thomas Trundell, andJoseph Shipley, were throwers in 1774–6.
John Morlidge, son of William Morlidge, of Derby, hatter, was apprenticed for seven years, on the 21st August, 1777, “to learn the Art of Repairing of China or Porcelain Ware.”
Mullins, a figure and landscape painter, was engaged for one year certain to come down from London in 1795, to paint in enamel on porcelain by the piece, at a fixed scale of charges, on which for the first month he was to have 20 per cent., and the second month 10 per cent. additional. The prices, in the original list in my possession, are very curious.
John Musgrove, kiln man and labourer about 1796.
William Pegg, a Quaker, was a remarkable man in more ways than one. He was a tolerably clever painter, but of a very erratic and changeable character, and a religious enthusiast; indeed, judging from his writings, there can be but little doubt that he was not in all things perfectly sane. He wrote a singular account of himself, “Traits in the singular life of that persecuted man, for his obedience to the Truth, WmPegg, who joined the Society of the People called Quakers in the year 1800,” in which he traced his descent from Abraham, “who is said to be the Father of the Faithful,” because his family were of the seed of Esau, red; and that on his mother’s side he was descended from Ishmael, because she (his mother) and “all her kin are swarthy and marked with a brown freckle.” William Pegg was the son of Thomas Pegg, of Etwall, near Derby, who was a gardener at Etwall Hall, and a member of the parish choir, where he played the hautboy; from here he removed to Whitmore, in the Staffordshire potterydistrict. William Pegg was born in 1775, and two years afterwards his father removed to Shelton, where, at the age of ten, William Pegg was sent to work at a pottery. At fourteen he was put to learn the painting on china and earthenware, and when of age removed to Derby, and engaged himself at the china works till he was twenty-three, when he gave it up, and took to the stocking frame, at which he worked at one place or other for twelve years. He then, in 1812, returned to his old occupation, “making drawings and pictures and painting china,” till 1820, when he again gave it up, and commenced a small shop. He married Anne Hendley of Derby in 1814, and died in 1851. Pegg was a clever painter of flowers, and his productions had the merit of being, in almost every instance, painted from nature.
Thomas Pegg, a brother of William Pegg, was one of the gilders for many years.
William Pegg, of a different family, was an apprentice at the works in the beginning at the present century, but left, and became a clever designer for calico printers.
Robert Pennington, painter, 1775.
Edward Phillips, of Derby, “China or Porcelain Painter,” by agreement entered into September 2, 1772, bound himself as a china painter, at twenty-five shillings per week. He afterwards, I believe, removed into Staffordshire, where he carried on business on his own account.
John Porter, son of Elizabeth Porter, of Spoondon, widow, was apprenticed for seven years, on the 7th of April, 1777, “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.”
Henry L. Pratt, a landscape painter, was apprenticed at the Derby works, and afterwards, employed in Staffordshire. He became a clever artist in oil, and died in 1873.
E. Prince, a landscape painter.
Richard Roberts, one of the Chelsea workmen, under Duesbury at Chelsea, was a soldier and pensioner at Chelsea Hospital, and was allowed occasional furlough to paint at Derby. Mr. Duesbury endeavoured to procure his discharge, so that he might remain with him. Here is one of the orders regarding him: “By Order of Sir George Howard, K.B., General of His Majesty’s Forces, and Governor of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. Permit the Bearer, Richard Roberts, a pensioner in the above-said Hospital to pass from hence to Darby in Darbyshire, for the space of Two Months from the Date hereof, and then to return to the above-said Hospital. He behaving as becomeith. Given under my hand this first Day of Decr. 1781.
“L. Grant, Adjt.”
George Robertson, a landscape painter, died in 1835.
Robinson, a landscape painter.
John Rockley, labourer; agreement for three years, from 1795 and forward, at 9s.per week to be employed in the kilns, or in any other manner.
Thomas Rodgerswas employed, at all events, from 1778 in which year his wages were raised a shilling per week. He received this addition for three years (£7 16s.) in January, 1782, after that, till 1793, he received an addition of 3s. a week.
Thomas Rogers, timekeeper and labourer, 1780–95.
Jonathan Rose, a painter, came from London to Derby in 1780, and was employed some time.
James Rowse, a late flower-painter. Now employed at the King Street Works.
Sartinewas a modeller in London, employed by Duesbury in 1790, on the recommendation of Vulliamy, to model figures.
Charles Sheen, a clever thrower and presser, formerly of Worcester, and in 1791, at the New Hall works at Shelton, was engaged for Derby.
Thomas Simes(orSims) was an apprentice, from the age of 11 to 21, to Mr. Duesbury; in 1792 he absconded, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension, and endorsed for the county of Stafford.
Mundy Simpson, a gilder and general painter.
William Slater, born at South Normanton, was an apprentice at the Pinxton works, but came to Derby in 1813. He was a good general painter. He died in Staffordshire in 1867. Two of his sons, William and Joseph, were apprenticed at the Derby works. They and their sons rank among the best painters in the Staffordshire potteries.
Constantine Smith, of Derby, in the county of Derby, preparer of colours and porcelain painter and enameller, was one of the best “hands” at the Derby works. On the 28th of October, 1773, his son William Smith was bound apprentice to him.
William Smith, who had on the 28th October, 1773, been bound apprentice to his father, Constantine Smith, to learn “the art of preparing colours, and Painting and Enameling Porcelain,” agreed with Mr. Duesbury, to whom he had “finished his time,” and been since employed, in 1790, to employ himself “in preparing enamel colours, painting china, or otherwise at the discretion of Mr. Duesbury.” Up to this time he had been receiving a guinea a week, but on the signing of this fresh agreement Duesbury was to pay him £10 down, and to raise his wages to 25s.
Joseph Smithwas a landscape painter; he had 7s.a dozen for painting teas No. 115 in 1792.
William Smith, son of Hannah Smith, of Derby, agreed “to make colours for painting on china or porcelain ware,” and by covenant entered into on the 23rd of November, 1778, agreed as follows:—“I do hereby promise to pay to my mother, Hannah Smith, weekly, and every week, out of the wages I may get under MessrsDuesbury & Co., the sum of eighteen shillings, to commence from this date and expire the 28th October, 1780. Witness my hand, this 23dNovr1778.—W. Smith.”
Thomas Soarewas an apprentice to Duesbury, and afterwards employed by him. He was son of —— Soare, of Little Chester, and was a clever gilder and arabesque painter. After leaving the China Works, Thomas Soare commenced, in 1810, a small business on his own account. The following is his advertisement, copied from the “Derby Mercury” of April 5th, 1810:—“Enamelled China.—Thomas Soare, with the greatest respect, begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Public at large that he enamels Dessert, Breakfast, and Tea Services with Arms, Crests, Cyphers, &c., in the most elegant manner and on the most reasonable terms. His long experience in the Derby Porcelain Manufactory encourages him to look with confidence for support, which it will be his study to deserve and his pride to acknowledge. N.B.—Ladies instructed to Paint china at their own apartments, on reasonable terms. Navigation Row, near St. Mary’s Bridge, Derby.”
Thomas Southall, “son of Humphrey Southall, of the Borough of Derby, Pincher,” was apprenticed on the 25th of December (Christmas Day) 1772, for seven years “to learn the Art of Painting upon China or Porcelain Ware.”
J. Stables, a clever gilder, was employed for very many years.
John Stanesby, a flower painter in the latter days of the works.
Thomas Steele, one of the later and more celebrated painters of flowers and fruit, in the latter of which he excelled. He died in 1850, in his 79th year. Three of his sons, Edwin, Horatio, and Thomas, were apprenticed at the works.
Martin Stephens, then of Duke Street, St. James’s, London, signed articles of agreement in 1794.
Francis Stone, a skilled workman, was employed at all events from 1770 to 1772, and probably much longer.
JosephandThomas Tatlowwere late apprentices and became clever painters.
Taylor, at first a blue painter, afterwards became a clever arabesque and Indian pattern painter. He painted the centres of a service of plates for Mr. Digby in 1784.
James Turner, a late flower-painter.
S. orJ. Vidal, a painter, who, in August, 1793 till May, 1795, was living at “No. 1, Grosvenor Row, near the Bun-house, Chelsea,” arranged, in the latter year, to leave London for Derby “for six months every year, from June to January.” In 1793, he had sent specimens of his flower-painting to Mr. Duesbury, and in doing so said, “As I have not painted anything on china in this country, I am for that reason induced to show what I am capable of doing in that line, being perfectly master of the employment and direction of employing the colors, having painted for about eleven years in the Porcelaine line,” &c.
John Wardle, “china painter” in 1800 (so described in an affiliation order).
Wathews, a thrower and presser, was employed in 1787–90.
William Watson, a general painter.
H. Webber, a noted modeller, was employed in London by Mr. Duesbury, and afterwards, in 1795, removed to Derby; the terms of his engagement being shown in a letter from which the following is an extract:—“London, Wedy, July 15, 95.
No4, Lisson Grove,
near Lisson Green.
“Dear Sir,—When I had the pleasure of seeing you in Town, I understood (or rather misunderstood) you was about to depart for the Lakes; not for Derby: Therefore I had no intention of writing to you ’till I shou’d have heard of yourreturn home;—But a call from MrLygo has set me right on that head, and I lose no time to perform my promise; which I think was, that as soon as I cou’d make up my mind on the matters spoken of, to communicate it to you. Permit me then Sir briefly to say, that the terms you propose—namely £100 pr. Anm. I accept; with the allowance of a months vacation in the year without deduction. But I find many obstacles arise which I am sorry for—the detail of which I will not trouble you with; but only beg leave to point out one of them,—which is—how to get a tenant for the house I live in, and what relates to it. However, I have requested the favor of Mr. Lygo to speak of it to any friend he may suppose wou’d wish such a thing, and have also spoken to other acquaintances and friends; and you may rest assur’d Sir, that as soon as I can get rid of this Stumbling-block (which is indeed the principal), I shall not fail to use the utmost diligence in doing away every other in hope to realize the pleasure I anticipate of paying my respects to you at Derby. I am Sir, with Deference and Regard, Your Most obedtand very Humble Servant,H. Webber.”
Moses Webster, a flower-painter, was an apprentice, and afterwards employed at the works. He was afterwards a teacher of drawing, and died in 1870.
John Wells, a labourer, to be employed in any part of the manufacture of china; fresh articles of agreement dated 1794.
William Wheeldon(whose mother was a sister of the wife of William Billingsley), was a clever flower painter.
John Whitaker, one of the workmen, in partnership with Mr. Cocker, began in February, 1826, a china manufactory in Friargate, Derby, but he failed in the same year. His son, John Whitaker, began to work at the Derby China Works in 1818, when only eleven years old, and in 1821 (Feb. 23rd) was bound apprentice to Mr. Blore. In 1831 he became overlooker, and so continued until the close of the works. Later on he was employed at Minton’s and other places. He died in 1874.
Richard Whitaker, a thrower and presser, employed in the ornamental department, in which he was very clever, from about 1769 till 1786, when he died.
William Wingfield, apprenticed at the works, was a clever modeller, but died young.
John Winrow, son of John Winrow, of Duffield, Innholder, was apprenticed, by the same printed indentures, for seven years, on the 6th of June, 1766, “to learn the Art of Painting on China or Porcelain ware.”
Edward Withers, “of London, porcelain or china painter,” entered into an agreement with Mr. Duesbury, on the 8th of May, 1789, engaging himself for three years from the 27th of September in that year “as a painter on porcelain” at the rate of 3s.6d.per day. It is said that he had previously been employed at Derby, and from thence removed into Staffordshire, where he worked as a china painter; then to Birmingham, where he worked as a painter of japanned tea-trays. He is stated to have died in Bridge Gate, Derby. A William Withers, potter, residing in 1778 at Rotherham, was in that year a voter at Derby.
William Yates, a gilder.
John Yates, general and flower painter and gilder, apprenticed to, and afterwards employed by Duesbury about 1772. He is said to have excelled in hunting subjects and flowers.
In 1876, while this chapter is passing through the press, new China Works, on a large scale, are about to be established on the Osmaston Road, Derby, by Mr. Edward Phillips, one of the proprietors of the Royal Porcelain Works at Worcester; there is therefore at last the pleasant prospect of one of the old staple trades of the town, that of porcelain, being brought back in all its integrity, and carried on with vigour and enlightenment.