The company was founded by John Aynsley, a big collector of pottery, lusterware, tableware and ornamental pieces. He was the chairman of a coal mine in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He opened his own company in Longton in 1775 and developed quite a reputation as a master potter. He used local clay and created engravings from his own designs. He later turned the company over to his son, James, but it was his grandson, John II, that really got the ball rolling for the company.
He had been working since the age of nine in several pottery factories helping to support his family. This gave him a lot of experience in the pottery business. When he took over the company, he went from making pottery to fine bone china. He changed the formula of his porcelain and started using 50% “calcined bone ash” in his porcelain compound. This made his porcelain wares very strong, translucent, and bright white. He had to open a new factory in Stoke-On-Trent and named the company “Portland Works”.
Queen Victoria commissioned the company to make a set of ornate tableware for her personal use. This allowed Aynsley to use the Royal Family Seal in his company logo. The company has also made sets for Queen Elizabeth II and her son, the Prince of Wales. He became quite popular as an honest business man, and was even elected Mayor of Longton in 1886.
Today, Portland Works employees some 850 people and are still renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. The company has produced many collectible pieces over the years which has led to their continued success.
Aynsley mark.
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