Worcester Porcelain Manufactory
English, founded 1751
Person TypeManufactory
Terms
BiographyThe Worcester porcelain manufactory was founded by Dr. John Wall and 14 other partners in 1751. Production was on a large scale from the outset and the factory enjoyed considerable success. Various factors explain its prosperity: the factory was well financed from the beginning; its location on the River Stern facilitated transportation; and it developed a porcelain body that was robust and durable. In 1752, the factory acquired the Bristol China works and introduced steatite (soapstone) – as employed in Bristol – in their soft-paste porcelain formula. Steatite ensured the stability of the porcelain, making it resistant to temperature changes. By contrast to the wares produced by Derby and Chelsea, Worcester’s products could sustain boiling water. The factory was therefore well-known for its tea wares.