Art and Architecture Collection > Historic Pottery and Porcelain > Reference Resources by Topic:

United Kingdom

Atterbury, Paul and Maureen Batkin. The Dictionary of Minton. Woodbridge, UK: Antique Collector’s Club, 1990. (Open 3-MPGO 90-10594)
Alphabetical guide to terms relating to Minton wares. Biographies of Minton artists, designers, and decorators. Covers special issues relating to marks, dating, and factory history.  

Clark, Garth. The Potter’s Art: A Complete History of Pottery in Britain. London: Phaidon Press, 1995. (3-MPGO 96-1036)
A history from the viewpoint of the artisan; sections treat works by: peasant, industrial, artist-potter, and studio potter.  

Cox, Alwyn and Angela. Rockingham 1745-1842. Woodbridge, UK: Antique Collectors’ Club, 2001. (Open JQF 02-842)
Detailed survey history and appraisal guide to the Rockingham Works (formerly Swinton Pottery).

English Art Pottery, 1865 – 1915. Compiled by Malcolm Haslam. Woodbridge, UK: Antique Collector’s Club, 1975. (MPGO 76-2929)
An authoritative visual overview of artistic pottery-making, with focus on major manufacturers, and painted pottery of the Pre-Raphaelite and Aesthetic Movements. Covers key artists, exhibitions, specialty wares, and shows the transition from art to studio pottery.  

Eyles, Desmond. Royal Doulton, 1815 – 1965; The Rise and Expansion of the Royal Doulton Potteries. London: Hutchinson, 1965. (MPGO) A classic manufacturer history; examines origins of the pattern, Doulton wares, the Burslem Pottery, early to mid twentieth century experiments, including art-wares and tablewares from 1900 – 1965. The appendices provide designer and artist monograms, trade-marks, back stamping, and other guides to dating.  

Hughes, Bernard. English and Scottish Earthenware, 1660 – 1860. London: Lutterworth Press, 1960. (MPGO)
An extensive guide to the various types of earthernware products: describes enamels and glazed stoneware, colors, jasper, stone china, lustres, and English majolica.

Hughes, Bernard and Therle Hughes. English Porcelain and Bone China 1743 – 1850. London: Lutterworth Press, 1955. (MPGO)
A broad historical survey of all types of porcelain by location. These goods are discussed within an interesting social context, with emphasis on domestic production, distribution and market appeal.   

Lewis, Griselda. A Collector’s History of English Pottery. Woodbridge, UK: Antique Collector’s Club, 1987. (3-MPGO 88-1235)
General survey history of all types of pottery  from the Elizabethan era to 1985. Evaluates types of materials: stoneware, earthenware, stone china, and decorated pottery. Emphasis placed on major collectible lines, e.g. Wedgwood, Spode, Pratt. Makes useful distinctions between art and factory pottery. 

Messenger, Michael. Coalport 1785 – 1926: An Introduction to the History and Porcelains of John Rose and Company. Woodbridge, UK: Antique Collector’s Club, 1995. (MPGO 96-11464)
Chronological evaluation of Coalport decoration, exhibition, marketplace issues, and specific wares. Biographical data in the appendices.  

Oliver, Anthony. Staffordshire Pottery: The Tribal Art of England. London: Heinemann, 1981. (MPGO 83-1109)
A social history of the manufacturer and its products. Strong sections on the origins of Staffordshire, Obadiah Sherratt, the Master of Burslem Pottery, and specific types of wares: animals, cottages, castles, pastille burners, and related figurines. Important artists are evaluated.   

Reilly, Robin. Wedgwood. London: Macmillan; New York: Stockton Press, 1989. 2 vol. (MPGO 90-10408)
The catalogue raisonné for this major manufacturer; provides authoritative illustrations and provenances for all lines.

Wakefield, Hugh. Victorian Pottery. London: Herbert Jenkins, 1962. (MPGO)
This work is the forerunner of many publications on a fruitful period for English pottery-making. Treats printed pottery, decorative jugs, figurines, painted pottery, and such major producers as Palissy, Doulton, Martin Brothers, and William De Morgan.   

Whiter, Leonard. Spode: A History of the Family, Factory and Wares from 1733 to 1833. London: Barrie & Jenkins, 1970 (1989). (Open 3-MPGO 90-12326)
Manufacturer history in detail.