Collecting American Belleek (with Lenox China & Ceramic Art Co) by Loman & Petula Eng

Table of Contents

OUR NOTES:

American Belleek is sometimes confused with Irish Belleek, the "thin, delicate eggshell-like porcelain with a nacreous lustre of various tints." (From Chap. 1) In 1851, in Bellek, Ireland, clay having the required composition to produce this ware was discovered. When the word "Belleek" is mentioned today, collectors around the world often think of this ware first.

Around 1872, just as Irish Belleek was becoming popular, Trenton, New Jersey became one of America's foremost pottery producing regions. With the help of English immigrants Thomas Maddock & William Young, white ware came to Trenton, New Jersey and later to Canton, Ohio. American Belleek was made by many potteries and thrived for a period, but potter's labor strikes, WWI labor shortages and the Depression contributed to the closing of many of America's art pottery companies. The term "American Beeleek", then, refers to a type of ware produced by many companies rather than referring to a specific company. (Summary from the introduction to Chapter 1)

Many American companies made Belleek. This fine reference aids collectors and dealers in identifying and valuing these pieces. Companies covered include:

• Ceramic Art Company
• Lenox
• Ott & Brewer
• Willets Manufacturing
• Morgan Belleek China Company
• Columbian Art Pottery
• Knowles, Taylor & Knowles
• American Art China Works
• Columbian Art Pottery
• And others!

--- John Kincaid, Collector Bookstore

PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION:

Over 390 color photos display the porcelain objects made by Ceramic Art Company*TM and Lenox, Inc.*TM, Ott and Brewer*TM, and the Willets Manufacturing Company*TM from the 1880s to 1930. Hand-painted and signed decorations by famous artists, including H. J. Nosek, Walter Marsh, and George and William Morley are included. Values are found in the captions.

395 color photos