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Raven Mason Collection
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George L. Ashworth & Bros.
Front of the Broad Street factory of George L. Ashworth and Brothers. Circa 1950.By courtesy of The Wedgwood Museum, Barlaston, Staffordshire.
Copyright (c) 2005 Keele University. All rights reserved.
In 1848 Francis Morley purchased the majority of the moulds, engravings and equipment at the sale of C.J Mason's goods and effects and immediately transferred them to his pottery in Broad Street, Hanley.
In the Paris Exhibition of 1855 Morley was awarded a first prize for a selection of traditional Mason's patterns. In 1858 Morley formed a partnership with his son in law Taylor Ashworth and by 1862 he had retired passing on the Mason's printing plates and other equipment to Taylor and his father George L. Ashworth.
"Messrs Ashworth Bros. continue to the fullest extent, the manufacture of the 'Patent Ironstone China'...and produce all Mason's best patterns in services, etc. from the original moulds...These they produce in immense quantities, both for the home and foreign markets, about one third of their whole production being exported...The 'Ironstone China', from its extreme hardness and durability...is especially adapted, in its simpler styles of decoration, for services used in large steamship companies, hotels, clubs, colleges, and other places where hard usage has to be undergone; while in its more elaborate and rich style - and it is capable of the highest degree of finish - it is eminently fitted for families of the highest ranks. It is much used in the houses of the nobility and higher classes. No climate affects this ware..."
'The Art Journal' 1867The company continued to trade as 'George L. Ashworth' when it changed hands yet again in 1883 and was purchased by John Shaw Goddard, who was succeeded by his son John Vivian in 1919. The Ashworth name continued in use until March 1968 when it reverted tot he original factory name, mason's Ironstone China Ltd. The company became part of the Wedgwood Group in 1973.
You can view the factory marks of George L. Ashworth on the Mason's Marks page.
