William Adams

English, 1746–1805

ActiveEngland

Biographyhttp://www.thepotteries.org/potters/adams.htm

1) William Adams 1745-1805, of Greengate, Tunstall.
He outshone his cousins in artistic ability and was reputed to be Josiah Wedgwood's favorite pupil. He established his own pottery in 1789 where he made Queensware, "painted china glaze ware," transfer, basalt and Jasper until his death in 1805.

Under his control Jasper ware was made in quantity, included table sets, plaques for furniture and mantlepiece mounts, cylinders for candlestick bases and jewelry medallions.

He also perfected a special shade for his ware, known as "Adams blue" for its distinctive colour which approached violet.

William (1) was succeeded by his son Benjamin who was not too successful commercially. Benjamin sold the Greengate pottery in 1820. It then passed from family control until repurchased by William Adams (4) to expand his production. It became a unit of William Adams and Company, Tunstall.

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