Monthly Archives: April 2012

One of the very pleasant surprises for me in my own pottery collecting was the discovery of Beswick Pottery.  Beswick (1894-2002) was a family run business founded by James Wright Beswick with his son’s John and Gilbert, and John’s son John Ewart, they all played a part in the factories fantastic successes.

Beswick Pottery, c.1957-72 By Albert Hallam in ’57 6″ Double Handled Urn Vase, Mold # 1496-3, $80.00 SOLD

The business ran from the Gold Street Works as ‘J. W. Beswick’ until about 1918.  The firm gradually expanded its activities after the 1914-1918 war, in fancy pottery for the home and over-seas markets.

J. W. Beswick died in 1921 and his son in 1936. The Company was then made a Limited company – John Beswick, Ltd.  created with the Managing Director, John Ewart Beswick and his Sales Director Gilbert Beswick who introduced many new pieces to the range.

Beswick Pottery, c.1959-67 by Albert Hallam in 1959 10″ Gun Metal Luster Glazed Vase, Mold # 1654, $129.00 SOLD

Arthur Gredington was appointed modeller for animals of all kinds and is well known for this superb work of accurate and realistic animals. James Hayward also contributed to the high quality pieces as decorating manager from 1934 to art Director from 1957 he designed almost 3,000 decorations, patterns and glazing.

Beswick Pottery, c.1963-68 by Albert Hallam 8″ Goblet Vase with Original Label, Mold #1858, $95.00 SOLD

Albert Hallam contributed enormous skills when joined Beswick at the age of 14 as apprentice mold maker and he became head of mold making and a modeller, creating butterflies, horses, dogs and cats as well as fine art pottery vases, bowls and serving pieces.

Beswick wares were extremely popular in England and abroad offering one of the finest ranges available, they achieved remarkable success with highly specialized lines including life-like equestrian figures, dogs modeled from famous prize-winners, birds in great variety, wild and domestic animals, fish,  salad ware and cottage ware including Beatrix potter collection.

In 1969 Beswick was sold to Royal Doulton animals continuing to produce new models but reducing the number of patterns and withdrawing many pieces. By August 1989, the decision was taken for all Beswick to be produced under the Royal Doulton back stamp.

Beswick Pottery, c.1940-72 by Mr. Symcox in 1940 9″ Fan Vase with Scalloped Lip, Mold #844-2, $139.00 SOLD

Billy Blue Eye is pleased to offer a fine selection of vintage vases from Beswick Pottery today, April 22nd at the The Jamestown Vintage Flea Market   where 50 plus vendors set up shop at 474 El Camino Real, Tustin from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  In addition to Beswick we carry Roseville, Weller, Van Briggle, McCoy, Red Wing, Rookwood and many more fine American Art Pottery Companies. We look forward to seeing there!