Minton China

Minton was established by Thomas Minton in Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England in 1793. In its first years, Minton produced earthenware, a low-fired pottery that is permeable to water. Shortly thereafter, Minton formed a partnership with Joseph Poulson who created bone china. Following Poulson's death, Minton built a new china pottery in 1824. Early productions mostly consisted of standard domestic tableware in blue transfer including the popular Willow pattern.

With the new factory of 1824, the Minton line was expanded from tableware to include figurines, vases, and other ornamental pieces. In 1836, Thomas Minton passed away and left the company to his son Herbert, whose artistic vision proved to be a vital asset to the company. Minton began creating hand-painted, industrial-strength tiles during the Victorian period. These tiles were very well received and can be found today in the United States Capitol building and both houses of Parliament.

Early Minton designs generally reflected typical English decorating techniques, but in the mid-19th century, the company began creating Rococo-style porcelain popular in France. In the '20s, Minton produced several lines of Art Deco tableware and decorative items. Minton's ability to adapt to contemporary designs is one of the reasons they have been able to remain so popular throughout their existence.

Quick Facts

• Minton's earliest pieces did not bear a backstamp
• Minton halted production in 1939 to aid in the war effort and reopened in 1949 to take advantage of the post- war economic boom
• Minton's most popular pattern is Haddon Hall, released in 1949