'THEIR AIM WAS TO SELL RELIABLE, SERVICEABLE AND GOOD LOOKING POTTERY TO THE PEOPLES OF THE AMERICAS, THE DOMINIONS AND THE COLONIES AND THEIR FACTORY IN HANLEY WAS PLANNED AND ORGANISED ACCORDINGLY.' BERNARD HOLLOWOOD ON THE HISTORY OF J & G MEAKIN POTTERY

{HISTORY}

If there was ever a success story about a pottery that lasted its entire length of time in business it would be the J & G Meakin Pottery of England. Started in 1851 by two brothers, James and George, in the popular pottery hub of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, J & G Meakin was a success from day one. Credited with having a keen understanding of both the English market and the American market, the brothers securely positioned themselves in the export business by setting up a US office, studying the needs and desires of American consumers, and making dishware back in England that would appeal to their across the pond customers.  For 100 years they produced dishware that was of high quality and pretty design. They treated their employees well. They gave back to their English community. And they successfully navigated a century's worth of sustainable business practices.

In 1885, James passed away leaving his brother to run the pottery for a handful of years before he too, passed away in 1891. This covered tureen was made around 1890 marking an important transition within the company as James & George's sons took over the business.

Featuring a rope and scroll-like design on the handles of both the base and lid, this simple, elegant, antique ironstone tureen is one of those pieces that quickly becomes invaluable in the kitchen. Not only is it a useful serving dish but it is also a lovely display piece, a flower vase and a storage container all in one. Fill it with a floral bouquet or an array of succulents and it's an instant garden.  Display it in the cupboard alongside your other mix-and-match ironstone pieces and it's an instant member of the family. Serve hot soup, a giant mound of mashed potatoes, warm pasta, or a springtime salad in this beauty of a vessel and your meal turns to magic with a dash of history thrown in for good measure.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Classic white ironstone style
• Two piece set includes base and lid
• Stamped on bottom with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous antique condition. There are no chips, cracks, staining or crazing with the exception of a small age-old chip on the underside of the lid that measures .75" inches (in length and a manufacturing flaw that looks like a small scuff on the exterior rim of the lid. Please see photos.  The lid, while it does fit securely, is a little bit wobbly when it sits on the base - hallmarks that each piece was made separately, by hand. 

{SIZE}

Measures 12" inches (length) x 8.5" inches (width) x 7.5" inches (height) and weighs 5.8 lbs.

{FOR THE LOVE OF IRONSTONE}

For the collector, find more ironstone pieces in the shop here.