GBP
Spotlight on... Ironstone
Ironstone gets its name from having notable strength and durability, not because it contains iron.
A durable ‘earthenware’, ironstone is synonymous with Mason’s china. Although not the first to produce this type of ceramic, Mason’s publicised and popularised this material, with the name initially becoming aligned with delicate Oriental patterns thanks to Miles Mason’s heavy influence from his background in Oriental porcelain.
Growth of ironstone through the centuries
Significantly developed through the 19th and 20th centuries – which saw the company change names and hands many times, and Mason’s receive a patent for ironstone in 1813 – it was the George Ashworth name that was then used for more than 100 years (1862–1969) before the company was renamed Mason’s Ironstone Ltd. See our Mason’s China pattern page for a more detailed history.
At this point in its history, Mason’s began to remake many of its earlier and highly successful patterns, such as Mandalay – Blue, one of the heavily ornate Oriental-inspired designs, and Denmark – Blue, which became known as ‘the Danish’ pattern and attracted immediate attention for its elegant repeating pattern of mussels and flowers.
Returning to its roots
Mason’s had tried to protect the process though their patent rights, but this offered them little protection against similar ironstone wares being produced by many potteries. The patent only really gave Mason’s protection over the term ‘Patent Ironstone’ and they used this very successfully in marketing their product.
When joining the Wedgwood Group in 1973, preserving the Mason’s name and product – along with everything it represented – was incredibly important. During this period, other brands, such as Meakin, Adams and Franciscan (now all part of the Wedgwood Group), continued to produce ironstone.
Mason’s Ironstone Ltd continued to produce finely decorated porcelain until 1998, when production at Wedgwood’s Hanley factory ceased and the premises were demolished. This sadly brought an end not only to the Mason’s name but also to ironstone as a material, given how many of the English potteries that made this strong earthenware had also merged into Wedgwood over time.
Replace your ironstone
Our stocks of Mason’s patterns are from the 1960s onwards, and we’d be delighted to help you replace an ironstone piece from one of your much-loved collections. Browse our Mason’s China patterns below or visit the dedicated collection page here.
And we stock replacement china for many other durable and hard-wearing ironstone collections, including the beautiful Franciscan Paynsley – Pink and the elegant blue-flowered pattern of Adams Daisy.
Look to new earthenware
With ironstone pottery becoming harder and harder to find, you might like to look at a heritage manufacturer that still produces ironstone-type wares under its trade name Burleigh, in the same factory as it did over 160 years ago. Find out more here.
Remember – if you’re looking for something and you can’t find it on our website, we’ll happily search for it for you with our free ‘Search for Me’ service. Just get in touch.
