History of Belleek Pottery: A Legacy of Irish Craftsmanship
Belleek Pottery, a name synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and rich history, has been creating beautiful and unique ceramic pieces since 1857. Nestled in the picturesque village of Belleek in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Belleek Pottery is a mere stones throw away from County Donegal, Ireland, and has become a symbol or Irish artistry and heritage. Let’s take a closer look at our history, signature designs and what makes Belleek Pottery a cherished name in the world of ceramics.
What year was Belleek Pottery established?
In 1849, Belleek Pottery was fundamentally founded by John Caldwell Bloomfield whom inherited the Castle Caldwell Estate, which encompassed the village of Belleek, from his father. An amateur mineralogist, he ordered a geological survey of his land. To his delight it revealed the necessary raw materials to make pottery – feldspar, kaolin, flint, clay and shale. A visionary by nature, John Caldwell Bloomfield set out to showcase the natural beauty of these local raw materials and believed Belleek was the perfect setting for the ambitious venture that was Belleek Pottery. The village provided the best opportunity to unleash the yet untamed power of the River Erne – power to drive a mill wheel strong enough to grind components into Slip, the term applied to liquid potters’ clay.
John Caldwell Bloomfield (1823-1897)
The Three Musketeers
John Caldwell couldn’t take on this huge task all by himself. He required knowledge and expertise that were outside of his remit. Therefore, he made acquaintances with Robert Williams Armstrong, an architect living in London but originally from Co. Longford who had an abiding interest in ceramics. Next, to fund this opportunity, Bloomfield had links with David McBirney, a wealthy Dublin merchant and owner of the drapery firm of “McBirney & Collis” of Arran Quay.
With everything coming into place, On Thursday 18th November 1858 Mrs Bloomfield (John’s Wife) laid the foundation stone.
Robert Williams Armstrong (1824-1884)
The Craft of Pottery Making
What sets Belleek Pottery apart is its meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece of Belleek Pottery is handcrafted using a 16-hand process, ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Designed in house, the pieces are typically created using a (master) mould. The slip (Liquid Clay) is then poured into the mould. Once the clay sets, the piece is removed, fettled and goes through the decorative process applying flowers, and painted before a series of firings. The final stage is a thorough quality inspection. If the item fails inspection, it is destroyed.
Each master mould that has been created has been kept in storage and today, Belleek still have the option to reproduce any piece that has ever been made. Throughout the 167 years of history, every piece of Belleek has been documented using an iconic Backstamp that can be used to date your Belleek.
The Shamrock Collection
Many pieces of Belleek Pottery have drawn inspiration from Irish Culture and Nature. The most iconic pattern being the Shamrock Collection that features delicate, hand painted shamrocks, symbolizing Ireland’s rich heritage. The Shamrock Collection has been handcrafted since the early 1900s using the same technique that is used today. In the picture below we can see pieces of the collection in the painting department getting their delicate Shamrocks painted on. On a side note, look at how all of the workers are men. Young and old.
Basketweave
One of the most attractive features of the Belleek Pottery Tour is always the Basket and Flower making department. The skill and precision of the Belleek artisans ensures that each strand of clay is carefully twisted, knitted and intricately placed mimicking the look of woven baskets that are commonly used throughout Ireland. The Hand Woven Baskets are then adorned with stunning handmade flowers before their first firing. Some of Belleek’s most popular baskets can be found here.
A Guide to Collecting Belleek Pottery
If you are an avid collector of Belleek Pottery, or an inspired newcomer, the rarity and unique beauty of each piece makes them highly sought after. With pieces appearing in many TV series and movies, there are few tips to keep in mind when collecting:
- Identify Authentic Pieces: Look for the distinctive Belleek Backstamp, which has evolved over the years. The very earliest pieces have the most sought after Belleek Black Backstamp featuring the words “Belleek” and “Ireland” encircling a harp and tower. Familiarise yourself with the different Belleek Pottery marks to identify the era of your piece. You can date your Belleek here.
- Condition Matters: As with any collectible, the condition of a Belleek piece significantly impacts its value. Check for chips, cracks, or repairs and always handle with care.
- Start Small: If you are new to collecting, start with smaller, more affordable pieces. Cups and Saucers and small vases can be great entry points into the world of Belleek Pottery.
- Join Facebook Groups: Belleek Pottery highly recommend joining Belleek Collectors’ International Society and UK Belleek Collectors Group.
The Future of Belleek Pottery
While deeply rooted in tradition and generational training, Belleek Pottery continues to innovate and evolve. The company regularly introduces new designs and collections to keep fresh and relevant that includes the introduction of Belleek Living. Despite changes throughout the years, including world wars, economic downturns and changing market trends Belleek Pottery continue to have a commitment to quality, craftmanship and local employment. It is a national treasure and hope that is will be cherished for generations to come.
Conclusion
Belleek Pottery is more than just ceramics, it is a celebration of Irish Heritage, artistry and enduring beauty. Each piece tells a story, capturing the essence of its time and the skill of its maker. Whether you’re a collector or simply an admirer, Belleek Pottery invites you to explore its timeless elegance and discover the charm that has captivated hearts around the world for over a century.
You can come to our Belleek Pottery visitor centre and take an award winning tour of our factory and see first hand how Belleek pieces are made, or you can explore our collections and bring a piece of Irish history into your home by shopping online today.
You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram, where the Belleek team are more than willing to help you with finding the perfect Irish Gift!