Manufacturer: Belleek
Belleek, Co. Fermangh. Northern Ireland, 1863- present day
Some authorities give the date of establishment of the Belleek Pottery as in the 1850's. This is difficult to actualize, although the date of the lease dated back to 1858.
The Dublin Exhibition in 1865 reviewed the production of Belleek and stated that the concern was quite a recent introduction having started two years earlier.
The Pottery then traded as M'Birney and Armstrong
Belleek Pottery was known for marine-form glazed Parian Objects c.1865-80. These wares with their iridescent pearl-like glaze were modelled by R.W. Armstrong (1824-84).
The firm produced limited bone china
David M'Birney and Co. ceased in 1884 when the Bellek Pottery Works Co. Ltd. Was formed. During this time the firm was producing inferior copies of early traditional Belleek wares.
The present company - the Belleek Pottery Ltd -dates from 1919. It produces high quality traditional wares. Within recent years the antique first period Bellek porcelains have become highly collectable.
The registered Belleek trade mark occurs with various colours and variations
The first version was usually printed in black. The single word 'Belleek' appears below. This version dates from c.1863 to c.1890
The second version was used from about 1890, but may have been produced slightly earlier. The main difference is in the additional wording 'Co. Fermanagh, Ireland' appearing on a ribbon below the main device.
A third variation occurs from c.1927 when the words 'Deanta in Eirinn' ('Made in Ireland') were added in an ornately designed circle. A registration number '0857' also appears on this late version.
From about 1946 the mark has been printed in green and in 1955 a small 'R' was added. From 1965 the words 'Co. Fermanagh' were dropped leaving only 'Ireland' on the lower ribbon
From April 1, 1980, a simplified mark has been printed in gold which often appears in rusty orange. On some wares which would not permit the application of a printed mark, an impressed marked strip of Parian was applied to delicate objects such as the baskets.
Source:
Items in Point Ellice House Collection:
Object Name: Ornament, Belleek Accession Number: 1975.0001.0133