The History of Burgess
Dorling & Leigh

Established in 1851, Burgess Dorling & Leigh is one of the few pottery firms still being run under family ownership. Steeped in Staffordshire's Pottery history, this fine old business has been manufacturing best quality, pure English pottery for over 150 yrs. The name Burleigh Ware is renowned the World over and is associated with fine craftsmanship and a traditional manufacturing process of the highest standard. The Staffordshire town of Burslem has long been associated with Burleigh Ware.

In 1851 Messrs Hulme and Booth began a pottery business at the Central Pottery, in the heart of Burslem. Trading as Hulme and Booth, this pottery continued producing earthenware products until 1862 when a Mr William Leigh and Mr Frederick Rathbone Burgess formed a partnership and took over the running of the Central Pottery. The business name was changed to Burgess & Leigh and 1862 was to become a landmark date in pottery history.

Fine quality earthenware continued to be produced at the Central Pottery until 1868 when the business transferred to the nearby, larger Hill Pottery in Burslem. Production had increased, the range of ware continuing to be mainly utility toilet, dinner and tableware.

The Hill Pottery was to remain the home of Burgess & Leigh until 1889. The firm then moved to the newly constructed Middleport Pottery by the Trent and Mersey Canal which was the vision created by William Leigh. The Middleport Pottery was widely recognised as the "Model Pottery" in the Staffordshire pottery industry. It was designed to make all production processes more efficient and to greatly improve working conditions of its workers. With its 3 biscuit and 4 glost bottle ovens, the factory was known locally as the "Seven Oven Works".

Today only one biscuit oven is left standing, the glost ovens being demolished in 1949, whilst the other 2 biscuit ovens were removed in 1965. Following the deaths of William Leigh in 1889 and Frederick Burgess in 1895, the business continued under their sons, Edmund Leigh and Richard Burgess.In 1912, upon the death of Richard Burgess, the business became solely owned by the Leigh family.

Edmund Leigh was to have a profound affect in many areas of Staffordshire life. As a leading Master Potter he campaigned tirelessly, at the forefront of the movement pressing for reform in the industry, to improve the pay and conditions for pottery workers.

The formation of the British Pottery Manufactures Federation owes much to his efforts. His roles in public life included becoming a Justice of the Peace, Burslem Town Councillor and later a Staffordshire County Council member. He was also a founding member of the then National Liberal Club. His death in 1924 was an occasion for much sadness in the area and throughout many institutions.

Throughout this early period of the business, Burgess & Leigh purchased moulds and pattern engravings from other businesses following closures. Two businesses of particular note were those of Samuel Alcock 1859 and John Davenport & son 1887. Moulds first used by these two firms are still used today in the production of Burleigh Ware.

In 1919 the business became a private limited company, the name being changed to Burgess & Leigh Ltd. The late 1920's - 1939 years were an extremely productive period for the company. Prior to the outbreak of war in 1939 there were around 500 workers employed at the Pottery.

The team of designers and modellers were probably the most talented and innovative in the industry at that time. Charlotte Rhead worked at the factory from 1926 until 1931 and produced many of her finest "tubelined" designs during this time. Harold Bennett an established and accomplished water colour artist produced many wonderful artworks that were applied to the tableware range. Charles Wilkes and Earnest Bailey formed an able partnership that was to produce many stunning and beautifully sculpted pieces that are as sought after today as they were during this "Golden Era" of the business.

The establishment of overseas agencies has been a major factor in the success of the business throughout the years. As far back as 1897 the firm had established an office in New York, which was followed by other agencies in Australia and New Zealand by 1905, South Africa 1912, Montreal 1927 and in 1928 Holland.

Commonwealth countries formed the main export base for the business for many years until around 1965 when many new and prestigious accounts were opened in Western Europe and Scandinavia.

In 1999, following adverse trading conditions for Burgess & Leigh, the capable partnership of Rosemary and William Dorling purchased the business and ably assisted by their daughter Susannah and son Simon so a new era of family ownership began at the Middleport Pottery. Burgess Dorling & Leigh are proud to carry on a tradition of producing fine quality, pure English earthenware products using traditional process methods.

Rosemary, Susannah, William and Simon 2006

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