Leon Arnoux
Joseph Leon Francois Arnoux (1816-1902), Artistic Director of Mintons
c.1816 Born in France
'In 1848 Leon Arnoux, son of a French manufacturer of hard-paste porcelain, came to Stoke-on-Trent in order to superintend Minton's new `hard-paste' process. This was not successful, but, as art director, M. Arnoux soon turned his attentions to other enterprises, including the manufacture of tin-glazed majolica, which, with its bright, attractive colouring, met with immediate approval after its introduction at the Great Exhibition of 1851'[1]
1858 'After the troubles of 1848 in France, Mr. Minton was so fortunate to secure the co-operation and services of M. Leon Arnoux, a gentleman who had long enjoyed the reputation of being perhaps more profoundly versed in the mysteries of ceramic manufacture than any other savant in France. To that gentleman’s zeal and ability, and the heartiness with which he entered into his principal’s views, well the taste with which he realised them. Mr. Minton is indebted for a large share of the brilliant success of the efforts made by the firm for the Universal Exhibitions of London in 1851. and of Paris in 1856.'[2]
1881 Living at 10 The Villas, Stoke-on-Trent: Leon Arnoux (age 65 born Couloute, France), Art Director at Minton's China Manufactory. With his wife Suzanne Senac Arnoux (age 59 born St. Pierre, French Colony) and their six children; Ferdinand Arnoux (age 38 born St Gomdens, France), Partner in the firm Hartley and Arnoux; Amelia Arnoux (age 30 born Stoke-on-Trent); Albert Arnoux (age 28 born Stoke-on-Trent), Partner in the firm Hartley and Arnoux; Alice Arnoux (age 25 born Stoke-on-Trent); Cecilia Arnoux (age 23 born Stoke-on-Trent); and Leon Arnoux (age 8 born Stoke-on-Trent). One servant.[3]