Model of Hannah More by Minton, Stoke-on-Trent, c.1830-1836
Hannah More (1745-1833) was a well known writer. She wrote popular religious pamphlets and was interested in educating poor people. In her pamphlets, More advised poor people to work hard and trust in God and the kindness of rich people.
Hannah More was friends with Hullâs William Wilberforce. He influenced her religious views. The Clapham Sect, a group that Wilberforce was a member of, gave More money to produce her pamphlets. The group also financed her schools for poor people.
This figure is made from bisque, unglazed and undecorated porcelain. Bisque has a âchalkyâ appearance, because it isnât covered with shiny glaze. The figure was made by Minton, a world famous pottery firm. Thomas Minton founded the pottery in Stoke-on-Trent in 1793.
Minton porcelain pieces from the 1820s and 1830s, like this one, are rarely marked with the makerâs name. They can be identified as Minton because designs for them appear in the factoryâs pattern books. A sketch of this Hannah More figure appears in one of the pattern books.
Minton made a wide range of figures and figure groups. Some were glazed and painted with enamel colours. Most of Mintonâs products were more utilitarian though. The factory produced earthenware and porcelain tableware, such as tea services, jugs and mugs.
After Thomas Mintonâs death in 1836 the firm continued to be run by the Minton family. Minton employed the finest ceramic artists. Many of them were attracted from Europe by the firmâs worldwide prestige.
The Minton factory in the centre of Stoke was rebuilt and modernised after the Second World War. Minton eventually merged with Royal Doulton Tableware. By the 1980s Minton was only making a few of its own designs, but still employing highly skilled decorators.
The Minton factory was recently demolished as part of a reorganisation within the Royal Doulton Group. Royal Doulton still produces porcelain tableware under the Minton name.
