Belleek Fine Irish China - A Brief History

In Fermanaugh Lakeland in Ireland, the River Erne tumbles over rapids and waterfalls on it’s way to the Atlantic Ocean.  Roughly two and a half miles downstream from Lough Erne, one such fall lands in a calm pool with a large flat rock, known in Gaelic as Beal Leice, this means “the ford mouth of the flagstone”.  Known today as Belleek, the area is mentioned through much of the history of the area, dating back to the Vikings.

In 1610, Thomas Blennerhassett and his brother Sir Edward, of Norfolk, England, planters installed by the British, were granted estates in Fermanagh and founded the town of Belleek.  Francis Blennerhassett, son of Sir Edward, built the castle Hassett's Fort nearby.  The family remained in Belleek until 1662 when the estate was sold to the Caldwell family.

Sir James Caldwell named the estate Castle Caldwell.  He was succeeded by John Caldwell.   In 1830 the estate was inherited by his eldest daughter, who had married Major John Bloomfield.  Their son, John Caldwell Bloomfield, born in 1823, was the principal founder of Belleek Pottery.

But Belleek Pottery truly owes its origin to three men: John Caldwell Bloomfield; Robert Williams Armstrong; and David McBirney.  Armstrong was an architect and civil engineer with a substantial practice working as architect to the potteries in the Midlands.  McBirney was a merchant and a highly successful businessman. 

Bloomfield was an ameteur geologist and ordered a geologic survey of his land which was found to be rich in fine kaolin and feldspar. Seeking to provide employment for his tenants, who had been affected by the Irish Potato Famine, Bloomfield sought to open a porcelain factory.

In 1853 Bloomfield and Armstrong met and soon agreed to work together.  Bloomfield would provide the land and Armstrong would design, build, and manage factory.  A financial backer was all that was needed - enter McBirney.  Bloomfield and Armstrong's enthusiasm was such that McBirney was intrigued and agreed to finance the venture.  The pottery would be known as "D. McBirney & Co."

Rose Isle was chosen as the site and building began in July 1857.  By the end of the year earthenware was in production, though the factory was not completed until 1860.  The building was made to resemble a large country house with a facade of local cut stone and large well-lit rooms capable of handling up to 500 employees, although no more than 250 have ever been employed there.

Production began with earthenware and included high-quality domestic ware, floor tile, hospital sanitation ware and telephone insulators.  However, it was the founder’s ambition to add fine porcelain to the pottery line to achieve international recognition. 

The early attempts failed and it was not until 1863 with the recruitment of several skilled artisans that Belleek Parian China was finally born.  Standards were set so high, that in the early days it is said that barrel loads of inferior porcelain was dumped into the Erne River.

As Belleek’s reputation spread, it received commissions from Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales and members of the nobility.  Exports began flowing to the United States, Australia and India as well. 

McBirney died in 1882 and Armstrong died in 1884.  Ownership and estate issues pursued and ultimately Belleek was sold.  After a short closure, the plant was sold and reopened in September 1884 under the name Belleek Pottery Works.  The new owners focused primarily on the more profitable earthenware at the expense of the fine china products. 

The efforts proved profitable, but at a price.  Joshua Poole – the new manager, from Staffordshire - lasted only a few months, forced out by the workers who wanted an Irishman and a Catholic.  Many skilled artisans also left as artistic taste clashed with the new direction of the company.  James Cleary replaced Poole and remained until 1900.  Returning focus to the Parian China, Belleek developed several well known potters and painters, gaining more recognitions and awards. 

In the 1880's the Erne Drainage Board attempted to control the water levels of Lough Erne and drain the land around the lake shore.  They blasted away the waterfalls at Belleek and built sluice gates also seeking to keep the Erne at a level suitable to drive Belleek’s water-wheel but the factory had constant water problems, eventually resulting in legal disputes, which the plant won. 

But it was too late.  These problems, war, and empty order books took their toll and the Belleek dwindled to 46 workers.  In September 1920 the Belleek was sold to Bernard O'Rouke, a wealthy mill owner from Dundalk for only £10,000.  The sale was contingent on Dundalk that the property had to continue as a pottery and should not be converted for any other use.

The new Belleek Pottery Limited brought new life and interest in improving and modernizing the plant.  In 1930, a fire destroyed the Company's records and much history was lost.  During WWII, Belleek again turned to earthenware to weather the storm.  Earthenware required less china clay and lower firing temperatures and so was more economic to produce, especially as the raw materials, such as coal, were rationed.  Production was reduced and exports virtually ended for a period of time. 

Demands surged again after the war and by 1952 electric kilns were installed and Belleek employed 240 workers.  Yet, by 1982 the Belleek was fighting for survival again.  Now, the Northern Ireland Industrial Development Board came to the rescue improving efficiencies and restoring a firm financial footing. 

Roger Troughton, of the Northern Ireland Industrial Development Board, headed a consortium which purchased Belleek and formed the Collectors Society.  The first official Collectors' Tour took place 1982 and Commander Fred Gray was the first recipient of the "Hall of Fame" award.  In 1988 Powerscreen International purchased the company and a program of improvements was carried out which included a restaurant, museum and visitor’s center which attracts over 70,000 visitors a year.  In March 1990 George Moore purchased the company from Powerscreen.