Now in its revised edition, The Dictionary of Minton, originally published in 1990, has become the standard work of reference on the famous Minton ceramics firm. This dictionary is divided into two main sections: first, an alphabetical listing with full descriptions of wares and second, biographies of artists, designers and decorators associated with Minton. Entries are detailed, well researched and some include monochrome illustrations. There are also occasional colour plates.
The Minton firm was founded in Stoke‐on‐Trent in the late eighteenth century by Thomas Minton with the production of inexpensive blue transfer‐printed earthenware. Thomas Minton’s son, Herbert, became director in 1836. He hired artists and successfully introduced new ranges including encaustic and printed tiles and parian porcelain. In 1849 Léon Arnoux became artistic director and encouraged French artists, for example, Albert‐Ernest Carrier‐Belleuse and Pierre‐Emile Jeannest to come to Stoke‐on‐Trent. Arnoux introduced majolica with bright glazes, naturalistic forms and popular shapes. In 1858, Herbert’s nephew, Colin Minton Campbell, took over control of the factory. The international exhibitions did much to strengthen Minton’s reputation, as did Queen Victoria’s patronage. In the twentieth century secessionist ware and art deco styles were introduced. Latterly, Minton’s output has been dominated by the production of richly decorated bone‐china tableware and commemorative items. Their most successful post‐war design is probably the Haddon Hall pattern, illustrated in colour on plate 44, and designed by John Wadsworth.
This dictionary includes an introductory essay, outlining the history of the firm, appendices, which include details of marks and a bibliography of further reading. This excellent dictionary covers all aspects of the history and design of the various Minton wares, its development as a firm and the figures involved. It is likely to remain the key text for all students of Minton for the forseeable future.
