Simpsons (Potters)
of Elder Works, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs
c.1500s Simpsons had been potters from the first half of the sixteenth century. Richard Sympson was making pottery in Burslem in 1549.
1600s In the next century, William Simpson was the proprietor of the Stocks Pottery, afterwards worked by Carlos Wedgwood, and, in the reign of James II, Ralph Simpson was a prolific follower of Toft. The Museum at South Kensington has a number of dishes by him.
1904 After a period of over two hundred years, during which it may be presumed the practice of the potter's craft continued as a family tradition, the firm was established at Tunstall by S. J. Simpson, as the Soho Pottery Ltd. The new company grew in size and importance, its repute and prestige being largely created by the quality of its Solian and Ambassador wares.
1918 The proprietors were obliged to take over an extensive factory at Cobridge, which was then reconstructed and enlarged to cope with the ever increasing production of modern, high quality earthenware.
1918 After steering the business through the first World War, the founder died.
1919 The control of the firm devolved upon his two sons who, after distinguished active service, returned and took over in 1919, Sam Simpson taking charge of the commercial side, and Tom Simpson the production.
Inter-War. Together they directed the business through the difficulties of the period between the wars.
WWII. Tom served as a Major in the South Staffordshire Regiment.
1942 or 1944 The company's name was changed to Simpsons (Potters) Ltd.
1944 Tom remained with the forces until the sudden death of his brother, in 1944, brought him home to take command.
1947 Tom's son, Robert Simpson, returned from army service and became Director and General Manager. The factory was extensively rebuilt, tunnel kilns installed and the factory completely electrified with the latest machinery.
1947 Advert in British Industries Fair Catalogue as Exhibiting Member of the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation of Federation House, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Composite Exhibit. (Pottery and Glassware Section - Olympia, Ground Floor, Stand No. A.1229) [1]
1950s/60s the company were prominent manufacturers and exporters of mid-range earthenware
1971 the company was purchased by the Pfaltzgraff Company of York, Pennsylvania, the largest stoneware manufacturer in the USA. Under the new owners the factory was again modernised and in addition to traditional Simpson lines, the Pfaltzgraff 'Museum Collection' was produced and marketed.
1976 Pfaltzgraff announced the end of tableware production although the factory continued to produce a small volume of stoneware cookware
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ 1947 British Industries Fair Adverts 398 and 399; and p252