The Leeds pottery firm which eventually became Hartley, Greens & Co. in 1781 first began operating in the 1750s, though no precise date is known. The firm became most celebrated for its cream-coloured earthenware (popularly known as 'creamware') which formed the bulk of its output. This pattern book (and the companion volume, Original Drawing Book No.1, dating from 1778 to 1792, E.576-1941) contains designs and sketches of the domestic pottery - such as mugs, tankards, dishes and tea- and coffee-wares - which the firm produced in this period. The firm also issued printed pattern books for customers in the home market and abroad. Much of their profit came from overseas trade, and the sketches in the two pattern books are annotated in various languages, including German, French and Spanish, often with English translations. The drawings were made on loose sheets which were later pasted into the pages of a used ledger.
Physical description
Pattern book containing 96 pages of white laid paper and 4 pages of blue laid paper (index), stitched into millboard covers. Contains designs and sketches (pasted in) of domestic pottery. Inscribed with notes in English, French, German or Spanish.
Place of Origin
Leeds, England (made)
Date
ca. 1792-1804 (made)
Artist/maker
Hartley, Greens & Co (manufacturer)
Materials and Techniques
Pen, ink, wash and watercolour on paper pasted into album; stitched into millboard covers
Marks and inscriptions
Original Drawing Book No. 2
Dimensions
Height: 33 cm, Width: 21 cm
Descriptive line
Pattern book, manufactured by Hartley, Greens & Co. ca. 1792-1804 Leeds
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1941, London: HMSO, 1954.
The full text of the record is as follows:
'ANONYMOUS: Patterns
Pattern books (2) of the Leeds firm of potters Messrs. Hartley, Greens & Co., consisting of designs and sketches of domestic pottery, on loose sheets pasted into used account books. Many of the sketches are inscribed with notes in English, French, German, or Spansh, and appear to be orders submitted by agents. Each volume has an index of initials and symbols (presumed to be those of the firm's agents) with page references, and at the end of the first are letters and sketches concerning a private order from J. Cartwright of Marnham, Nottinghamshire. E.576 contains 108 pages of blue laid paper numbered (excluding index) from 1 to 98 and E.577 contains 96 pages of white laid paper and 4 of blue laid paper (index). Each stitched into millboard covers.
Inscribed respectively in ink on front covers Original Drawing Book No. 1; Original Drawing Book No. 2. The sketches dated variously from 1778 to 1792 (volume 1) and 1792 to 1804 (volume 2).
Pen and ink, wash, water-colour etc.
E.576, 577-1941
Given by Mr. A. L. Allen.
Pattern book of the Leeds firm of potters Messrs. Hartley, Greens & Co., containing designs for tea-ware, covered jars, borders, etc. 260 pages of white laid paper bound in calf. First quarter of 19th century.
Stamped on front cover New Teapot Drawings Book. The designs numbered throughout from 250 to 610, with 8 designs for ice-pails numbered 46 to 53, and 10 designs for sugar-jars pasted in the beginning of the volume, numbered 1 to 10.
Inscribed variously with working and colour notes etc.
Pen and ink and water-colour.
E.578-1941
Note: Accompanying these three volumes is a memorandum showing that they were in 1923 submitted by the donor to H.M. Queen Mary who expressed her interest in them. The volumes are described on pages 45, 46 of Historical Notices of the Leeds Old Pottery with a description of its wares by J.R. & F. Kidson, Leeds, 1892.'
Materials
Watercolour; Ink; Millboard
Techniques
Wash technique; Stitching
Subjects depicted
Pottery
Categories
Ceramics; Tea, Coffee & Chocolate wares; Designs; Creamware & Pearlware
Collection code
PDP
