Minton

Minton: The factory founded by Thomas Minton in 1796. At first pottery only was made but soft-paste porcelain was produced probably as early as 1798. In 1817 Minton took his sons into the business and the firm traded as Thomas Minton & Sons. The father died in 1836 and John Boyle entered the firm which then became known as Minton & Boyle until 1845 brought a new partner, Michael Hollins, and a new style, Minton Hollins & Co. In 1883 the present style of Mintons Ltd was adopted.

Porcelain was not produced in any great quantity at Minton in its early years, but about 1825 several Derby artists took employment with the firm and output-and quality-increased. Sevres provided a recurring inspiration which extended to the marking of many pieces. Parian ware was a noted product from about 1845; and Marc-Louis Solon, who had been with S6vres, introduced the celebrated pate-sur pate technique. It is generally agreed that Minton made some of the best porcelain produced in England during the Victorian period-and indeed they still produce porcelain of fine quality.

Marks: include the letter 'M', the Sevres-like mark, the name 'Minton' impressed or transfer-printed.

1793 to present.

Early earthenware and pre-1805 porcelains appear to be unmarked. - For detailed information on Minton see the book "Regency Minton Porcelain (1800-1815)" by Duncan Langford. [ISBN: 0953043401]

Mark	Description & date
	this mark is ALWAYS in overglaze blue enamel; and it is NEVER on pieces without gilding. (Ungilded pieces will have either no marking, or a pattern number only). Before c1805 pattern numbers would usually be 'No 123' or 'N 123'; after c1805 numbers usually changed to ':123' or '.123' c.1805-16
	The Dresden crossed-swords mark used in underglaze blue on a type of floral encrusted porcelain. (sometimes confused with Coalport ware) 1820's
	Several printed marks of the 1820 & 30's incorporate the initial 'M'
	MINTON & BOYLE PERIOD c.1836-41 Many printed marks of this period bear the initials 'M & B'
	Example of a mark used during 1841-73. Different marks were used, many of which use the initials 'M & Co'
M & H	MINTON & HOLLINS PERIOD c.1845-68 Many printed marks of this period bear the initials 'M & H'
B B NEWSTONE	Impressed mark on earthenware. c.1830-60
	Incised mark found on Minton parian figures and groups. c.1845-60
	Printed or painted ermine mark used on fine Minton porcelains. c.1850-70 A similar incised mark is found on parian and other figures from about 1845
MINTON MINTONS	The name 'Minton' occurs incorporated in many printed marks from 1851 onwards. Basic impressed mark 'Minton' was used from 1862-72. From 1873 onwards 'Mintons' was used.
	Standard printed mark c.1863-72
	Revised basic printed mark with crown above. c.1873-1912 The word 'England' added from 1891
	Basic printed mark c.1912-50 Often with 'Made in England' added
	New printed trade mark. 1951 to present day.
CERAMIC ARTISTS Minton's have employed many talented and famous ceramic artists and designers. Several of whom were allowed to sign their work.
L Solon M L Solon	The most famous artist/designer was M. L. Solon and occurs on the valuable cameo-like Pâte-sur-Pâte wares.

Some Minton ware bears impressed marks
which indicate the date of manufacture:

Example of the 1878
Minton date mark

During its history of nearly two hundred years from 1796, this very important Stoke firm with an international reputation has traded under various trade styles.

Thomas Minton c.1796
Minton and Poulson c.1796-1800
Minton, Poulson and Pounall c.1800
Minton Poulson and Co. c.1801-2
Minton and Poulson c.1802-8 (second time)
Thomas Minton c.1809-17
Thomas Minton and Sons c.1817-27
Thomas Minton and Son c.1824
Thomas Minton (second time) c.1824-36
Minton and Boyle c.1836-41
Herbert Minton and Co. c.1841-45
Minton and Hollins c.1845
Herbert Minton and Co. (second time) c.1847-73
Mintons c.1873-84
Mintons c.1884
Since Herbert Mintons death in 1858, no Minton has been connected with the firm that earns this respected name to the present day