The Bristol Factory

It was a much larger venture than Plymouth, since at least 6500 pounds of capital was subscribed.  The shareholders included William Cookworthy, Richard Champion, Joseph Fry, Joseph Harford and Thomas Frank (Selleck).  George Bush, Abraham Clibborn and Richard Summers were also shareholders, in a quaker record for 1777 complaints were made aginst Richard Champion that he had had not bought their shares when he took over.  Joseph Fry was a medical doctor and a chocolate manufacturer (chocolate making still survives near Bristol, although now part of Cadbury's and the Fry name has disappeared).  The Harfords were bankers and would later become involved with the Bristol Brass and Copper Company (originally a competitor of William Champion).  In a letter of 7th June 1771 Sarah Champion said that Abraham Lloyd "is at present at the China House", and it is possible that he was also shareholder. The factory was at 15 Castle Green, with a house at number 17.  Rates were paid on number 15 for 1770-81 and on the house for 1775-78.  Thomas Frank paid rates on a warehouse in Castle Green in 1770 and on number 14 for 1773-77.  Castle Green was destroyed during the Second World War and the road has now gone.  What was Castle Green, and its surrounding area, is now covered by Castle Park.  Pountney placed the factory on the site of a later school, this is incorrect, he may have made this mistake due to the fact that the numbering had change by his time. The exact date of the transfer from Plymouth is not known.  The following advertisement was placed in the Worcester Journal on 22nd March 1770: "China Ware Painters wanted for the Plymouth New Invented Porcelain Manufactory.  A number of sober, ingenious artists, capable of painting on enamel or blue, may haer of constant employment by sending their particulars to Thomas Frank, in Castle Street Bristol".  The factory was working sometime in the six months before 29th September 1770, as poor rates were assessed on that date.  Initially it was still Cookworthy's business, Champion did not take over until 1774, and then traded as Richard Champion & Co.  New kilns were built around 1775 and it would seem that production was increased (far more of Champion's wares survive than Cookworthy's).  During the Champion period biscuit firing may have been omitted, glaze being added when the piece was in the raw state.  This probably explains eggshell pitting in the glaze, on some pieces.  When Champion took it is said that capital was advanced by Joseph Fry, his sister Sarah, Joseph Harford, James Brice and Thomas Frank.  However in a letter of 1776 he said he acted alone, without partners, so this may not be true.. Champion had financial difficulties in 1778, which were probably caused more by his trading activities rather than the porcelain factory.  At least two of the employees left in that year, but the factory continued in a slightly reduced capacity.  After closure in August 1781 the pottery was taken over by Israel Carey, who made clay pipes for tobacco smoking.  Carey was still trying to sell the remaining stock of porcelain in 1783.  By the time of the factory's closure, according to Champion, some 15,000 pounds had been spent.  Even in the 18th century this was not a large amount of money (for a business), as in 1767 the capital employed in William Champion's Copper and Brass company was estimated at 300,000 pounds. Site of the factory, shown on a 1902 map