The Herculaneum Pottery was based in Toxteth, Liverpool, England. between 1793/94 and 1841.[1] They made creamware and pearlware pottery as well as bone china porcelain.
About 1793-4 Richard Abbey, who had been apprenticed to John Sadler, an engraver, started a pottery at Toxteth Park, on the north side of the River Mersey, along with a Scotsman named John Graham.[1] In 1796 they sold the business to Worthington, Humble & Holland, who engaged as manager Ralph Mansfield, of Burslem.[1] He left them after some years' service, and commenced a small pottery on his own account.[1] In addition to Mansfield, the new company engaged about forty men from the Staffordshire potteries, and they were transported there by boat.[1] The buildings acquired from Abbey were considerably enlarged and improved, and as Wedgwood had called his new colony "Etruria", the company christened theirs "Herculaneum".[1]
The first productions were transfer-printed earthenware, which was carefully potted and of a somewhat deeper shade than that of Wedgwood.[1] The company must have done a good trade with America, because there are many pieces bearing American designs and emblems.[1] Some services had the embossed basket rims, and one of these was printed with views of well-known English scenery.[1] Terra-cotta vases and statuettes in black basaltes were also made, as were also jugs with relief figures.[1] In 1800 the manufactory was considerably enlarged, and again in 1806.[1] Early in the 19th century china was produced, and its manufacture was continued to the close of the works.[1]
In 1833 the company was dissolved, and sold for £25,000 ($125,000) to Mr. Ambrose Lace, who leased the premises to Thomas Case and James Mort.[1] They introduced as a trademark the Liver, which is the crest of the borough of Liverpool.[1] In 1836 they were succeeded by Mort & Simpson, who continued until the close of the works in 1841.[1] Early wares were marked "HERCULANEUM".[1]
The company gave its name to the Herculaneum Dock which occupied the site later.[2]
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