School: Carraig na Heorna (roll number 10938)

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1. Belleek (continued)

   

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   The existence of a wide stratum of fine white earth. Chemical examination proved this to be a species of kaolin a feldopathic clay, similar to that which forms the “bones” or interior infusible portion of Chinese porcelain.
   These feldspars were submitted to Mr. R.W. Armstrong, a London architect and an authority on ceramics. He visited Belleek, noting with keen eye not only the large quantities of feldspar and other mineral products, but the plentiful water-power available. He had a number of trials made from the feldspar at the Royal Porcelain Works, Worcester, and so satisfactory were the results that, with the co-operation of the local landlords, Mr. Armstrong formulated a feasible scheme for the establishment of an Irish pottery, and laid it before Mr D. Mc. Berney, a wealthy Dublin merchant. That gentleman quickly saw its possibilities, and gave it his practical support.
   Thus was a trime, workmanlike building erected on the small island at a bend of the Erne, and Ireland’s best and only pottery began. There was a Dublin decorator of china, who practised in the last decade of

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. place-space-environment
      1. local lore, place-lore (~10,595)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Susan Mary Irwin

   Gender

   Female

   Informant

   Ruddick Millar

   Relation

   Not a relative

   Gender

   Male