Antique 9 Pc Johnson Bros Ironstone Coach Country Hunting Scene Tea Set

Description

20th century Johnson Brothers, Hunting Country, Coaching Scenes ironstone porcelain dessert / tea settings for three including 3 Bread Plates, 3 Teacups and 3 Saucers. Blue transferware with scalloped edges, showing a stage coach traveling through the countryside and stopping to pick up passengers at a tavern.

"Johnson Brothers was a British tableware manufacturer and exporter that was noted for its early introduction of "semi-porcelain" tableware. It was among the most successful Staffordshire potteries which produced tableware, much of it exported to the United States, from the 1890s through to the 1960s. Founded in 1883,the company's name derives from the names of the company's founders. The four original "Johnson Brothers" were Alfred, Frederick, Henry and Robert. Their father married the daughter of a master potter, James Meakin. In 1883, Alfred and Frederick Johnson began production at a defunct pottery, known as the Charles Street Works, that they had purchased at a bankruptcy sale in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. At first, they specialised in the manufacture of durable earthenware, which they called "White Granite". The success of this venture led to rapid expansion. In 1888, the Rev. Henry Johnson joined them, followed ten years later by a fourth brother, Robert Johnson. Having established a solid reputation producing basic "whiteware", the company developed a product known as "semi-porcelain", a range of pottery that had the characteristics of fine china, but the durability of ironstoneware. This kind of tableware soon became very popular in the United States due to its durability and low cost. In 1889, the Hanley pottery was opened, later the Alexander pottery, and in 1891 the Imperial Works Pottery. In 1896, the Trent Sanitary Works was opened for the production of non-tableware products, and Alfred Johnson left the business to establish his own pottery. By 1898, Robert Johnson had relocated to New York City to manage Johnson Brothers' rapid expansion into the North American market. Johnson Brothers continued its growth in the tableware industry throughout the first half of the 20th century. After 1918, the popular "Dawn" range of coloured bodies was launched, and Johnson Brothers began exporting its tableware throughout the British Empire. The pattern "Old Britain Castles" was introduced in 1930, followed by "Historic America" in 1938. During the 1930s, the original factory in Charles Street closed, and new technology was introduced with the development of modern systems of firing using electricity rather than coal. This in turn led to a better quality product, lower prices, and better conditions for the workforce. However, World War II nearly halted production, and shipments to the U.S. became sporadic. The post-war period saw a major overhaul of equipment and facilities. Various plants in Britain, Canada, and Australia were purchased for decorating, glazing, and firing of pieces. Johnson Brothers gained Royal Warrants from Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother. The company was twice awarded the Queen's Award to Industry for their contributions to the British economy. Despite this award, the late 1960s saw changing popular taste, rising competition and spiralling production costs which led Johnson Brothers to curtail further expansion. In 1968, in order to remain competitive, Johnson Brothers joined the Wedgwood Group. This was the period during which the popular "Summerfields" range was produced: a white background with pink flowers and buds around the lip, finished with a grey foliage and a black non-complete edging line. This facilitated a further restructuring of the company and expansion into new markets. In 1981, Johnson Brothers launched the famous "Heritage" range, including the most popular earthenware range of all time - "Eternal Beau". In 1995, the Hanley Pottery closed down and was soon demolished. At the same time, a review of many of the traditional Johnson Brothers lines led to a rationalization and a reduction in the number of patterns produced. In 2000, the tableware division of Johnson's temporarily moved to the J. & G. Meakin Eagle Pottery works. In 2003, the manufacturing of Johnson Brothers products in Britain ceased and was transferred to China. In 2015, the Waterford Wedgwood group was acquired by the Finnish company Fiskars, which continued the Waterford and Wedgwood brands, but discontinued production of Johnson Brothers." (Source: Wikipedia)

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear/crazing/slight discoloration

Dimensions

Bread - 6.25" / Teacup - 3.5" x 2.75" (Diameter x Height)