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Seacombe Pottery
The once world renowned pottery of John Goodwin was started in Staffordshire and quickly established a name for itself. Over
the years Mr Goodwin built a small but prestigious pottery firm and was in high demand as there was call for his works abroad.
After some deliberation it would seem that Mr Goodwin moved the pottery making production to Seacombe, one can only
assume because of its close proximity to the Major City of Liverpool and the access of the Docklands to export his merchandise.
The site was chosen and the plant was quickly set up. The site was large and consisted of 6 domed shaped kilns and several
workshops which all sat next to the local Smalt works near the docks. The workers from Staffordshire were sent for and
shortly after Seacombe Pottery was opened in 1852. Mr Goodwin settled in a small house with his family in Wheatland Lane
and within months the factory began churning out some of the worlds finest crockery and demand soured. For five years Mr
Goodwin produced pottery for many country's, much of which can still be found in the National Canadian Museum. The pottery
production was so in demand that a second factory was set up in Toronto Canada, managed by one of Mr Goodwins sons
George. Sadly Mr Goodwin died aged 59 in the year 1857, many say from a broken heart from the death of his beloved wife a
year earlier.
At this time John Goodwins sons took over the family business and continued production, exporting to the Americas, Russia,
Colonial Canada and even Asia. The fortune of Seacombe pottery however was about to change dramatically. In 1870 a large
consignment of cargo was sent by ship from Seacombe to the Americas, but the cargo did not reach its destination. The vessels
ran into a storm somewhere in the Atlantic and was sunk loosing all cargo on board. It is reputed that Seacombe Pottery never
recovered from this loss and went into Voluntary liquidation in 1871.
The once world renowned pottery of John Goodwin was started in Staffordshire and quickly established a name for itself. Over
the years Mr Goodwin built a small but prestigious pottery firm and was in high demand as there was call for his works abroad.
After some deliberation it would seem that Mr Goodwin moved the pottery making production to Seacombe, one can only
assume because of its close proximity to the Major City of Liverpool and the access of the Docklands to export his merchandise.
The site was chosen and the plant was quickly set up. The site was large and consisted of 6 domed shaped kilns and several
workshops which all sat next to the local Smalt works near the docks. The workers from Staffordshire were sent for and
shortly after Seacombe Pottery was opened in 1852. Mr Goodwin settled in a small house with his family in Wheatland Lane
and within months the factory began churning out some of the worlds finest crockery and demand soured. For five years Mr
Goodwin produced pottery for many country's, much of which can still be found in the National Canadian Museum. The pottery
production was so in demand that a second factory was set up in Toronto Canada, managed by one of Mr Goodwins sons
George. Sadly Mr Goodwin died aged 59 in the year 1857, many say from a broken heart from the death of his beloved wife a
year earlier.
At this time John Goodwins sons took over the family business and continued production, exporting to the Americas, Russia,
Colonial Canada and even Asia. The fortune of Seacombe pottery however was about to change dramatically. In 1870 a large
consignment of cargo was sent by ship from Seacombe to the Americas, but the cargo did not reach its destination. The vessels
ran into a storm somewhere in the Atlantic and was sunk loosing all cargo on board. It is reputed that Seacombe Pottery never
recovered from this loss and went into Voluntary liquidation in 1871.
| It is interesting to note that on the back of the pottery the stamp shows the words "Seacombe Pottery Liverpool". I have seen 3 sets of this pottery up close and can confirm that 2 of the three sets also had a small insignia of a Liver Bird on the rear of the plate. This must have been to affiliate himself with a large city in order to improve his status. Much of the pottery produced by Mr Goodwin is still traded and can be found on the Internet or in many auction houses. Today Seacombe Pottery and Mr Goodwin still remain a much valued and sought after product for collectors. |
| Plates from Seacombe Pottery produced in 1855. |
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