Samuel Johnson (c1856-1934)

Samuel Johnson (c1856-1934), founder of the Britannia Pottery (of Cobridge)

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1934 Obituary.

The death occurred on January 19 of Mr. Samuel Johnson, formerly prominent pottery manufacturer and a leader in the public life of Burslem in the days before the federation of the Pottery Towns. Deceased, who was in his 79th year, had for some years lived in retirement with his son-in law, Major O. A. Wade, at St. Quentin, Sandy Lane, Newcastle. He had been an invalid for some considerable time.

Born in humble circumstances, Mr. Johnson left school at the age of ten to commence work, and after few years suited to sell glassware. When was about 19 years of age he became interested in the jet and rockingham trade, which was then being developed, and left the glass trade to manufacture tea pots at a pottery in High Street, Burslem. From the first the business flourished, and Johnson teapots became known in all the markets of the world.

During the latter part of the war when every section of the pottery trade was experiencing boom, which, it seemed, would last for many years, Mr. Johnson built the Britannia Pottery at Cobridge fine, extensive works, laid out and equipped on the most modem lines. For a few years after the war the new factory enjoyed considerable prosperity, but gradually the prolonged period of depression, coupled with changes in teapot fashions, proved too much for the Cobridge venture, and eventually the works had to closed down.

More than 30 years ago Mr. Johnson became a member of the old Burslem Town Council, which he served with seal and ability. For some years he was chairman of the Gas Committee, and under his guidance the gasworks became one of the most efficient in the country, providing cheap and efficient gas yielding substantial surpluses towards the relief of the rates.

On the federation of the pottery towns Mr. Johnson ceased to take an active part in municipal work, but his interest in all that made for the welfare of Burslem never waned. For about 20 years he had been justice of the Peace, and until his retirement he sat regularly on the Burslem Bench. A life long Wesleyan, Mr. Johnson had been an enthusiastic supporter of the Wolstanton Wesleyan (now Methodist) Church, to which he gave many gifts, including the font. He took a prominent part the erection of the church, and for many years had held various administrative offices. He was a Freemason, a founder-member of the Wolstanton Golf Club, and a Conservative. Mr. Johnson's death removes one of the now small number of potters of the old-type who did much to build up the world wide fame of North Staffordshire's staple trade.

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