John Steventon and Sons
of Royal Pottery, Market Place, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Telephone: Hanley 7980. Cables: "Steventon, Burslem." (1929)
Ditto Address. Telephone: Stoke-on-Trent 84261/2. Telegraphic Address: "Steventon, Burslem" (1937)
1897 to 1936
John Steventon arrived in the Potteries from Oakengates, Shropshire, and had been employed by Shelton Iron and Steel
In 1890 he was described as a China Decorator on the Birth Certificate of one of his children
1896/7 It is known that a partnership was formed at about this time with William J. Brown, W. Lees and John Steventon, with a limited capital of £300. To date no examples of this ware are known but it is believed that at the time the sales were mainly to markets.
In 1898 he was described as a Licensed Auctioneer on another birth certificate.
In the 1901 Census he is listed as an Earthenware Manufacturer.
1923 - onwards: from 1936 the firm mainly concentrated on the production of tiles and sanitary wares. Formerly Brown and Steventon. In 1923, when W. Brown left the company it became solely John Steventon and Sons and continued with the manufacture of earthenware until about 1937. Some books though have stated an earlier date of 1934. It is understood that the name of 'Royal Venton' came about following a purchase by a member of the Royalty at an Ideal Home's exhibition.
1929 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Semi-porcelain Dinner and Tea Ware for Home and Export. All Markets. Royal Venton Ware. (Stand No. G.30) [1]
1937 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Tiles, Wall Tiling, Faience and Tile Fireplaces, Surrounds, Sanitary Earthenware, both coloured and white, including recessed fittings. (Stand No. B.503 and B.402) [2]