J. & G. Meakin

J. & G. Meakin

Maker's mark, from a mid-20th century coffee service
Company type	Private (subsidiary of Wedgwood Group)
Industry	Staffordshire pottery
Founded	1851
Defunct	2000
Fate	Acquired, later ceased production, factory demolished 2005
Headquarters	Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent , England
Parent	Wedgwood Group

J and G Meakin Pottery, Hanley, Stoke-on-trent, 1942

J. & G. Meakin was an English pottery manufacturing company founded in 1851 and based in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

History

In the 19th century, J. & G. Meakin was known for the vast quantities of cheap ironstone china it produced for the domestic English market and for export to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

From around 1970, designs included Liberty, Sterling, Trend, Classic and Heirloom. Some of these were influenced from earlier designs. The newer wares can be distinguished by backstamp markings such as 'permanent colours', 'everlasting colour', or 'dishwasher proof'.

"Potter's attendant Ken Russell stacks plates into the drying oven", 1942

J & G Meakin had close family and corporate affiliations to the potteries Johnson Brothers, and Alfred Meakin Ltd, which explains why many patterns are similar, if not almost exactly the same.

There was a takeover by J. & G. Meakin in 1968 of Midwinter Pottery.

Eastwood works in Litchfield Street, Hanley, remains to this day and is now the Emma Bridgwater factory, decorating studio and outlet shop.

The firm was taken over by the Wedgwood Group in 1970. In 2000 production under the Meakin name ceased and their long-established works, Eagle Pottery, was then used for the production of Johnson Bros pottery. Eagle Pottery closed in 2004 when production was transferred abroad; the works were demolished in 2005.

See also

• Dorlestone Hall

External links

• J & G Meakin China & Pottery, patterns identified
• Company history and pictures
• Manufacturer's marks for Meakin
• Stoke Museums, J. & G. Meakin pots to explore online