Thomas whieldon biography

Thomas Whieldon of Fenton Low (or Little Fenton), Stoke-on-Trent, was probably the leading potter of his day and he had great influence on other famous potters.

He commenced potting in 1740. From 1754 until 1759 Josiah Wedgwood I was a partner with him.

Whieldon built up an extensive business and made a fortune estimated at £10,000 from his trade.

He stopped manufacturing around 1780 and became High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1786.

"In 1740, Mr. Thomas Whieldon’s manufactory at Little Fenton, consisted of a small range of low buildings, all thatched.

His early productions, were knife hafts, for the Sheffield Cutlers; and Snuff Boxes, for the Birmingham Hardwaremen, to finish with hoops, hinges, and springs; which himself usually carried in a basket to the tradesmen; and being much like agate, they were greatly in request.

He also made toys and chimney ornaments, coloured in either the clay state, or bisquet, by zaifre, manganese, copper, &c. and glazed with black, red,