19th & early 20th century ceramics by S. Hancock & Sons and Corona Ware (England)

S. Hancock & Sons was a ceramics manufacturer in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The company was founded in 1857 by Sampson Hancock, a prominent Wesleyan. Hancock began his career as a potter's apprentice, and eventually went on to establish his own business. The company's early products were mainly earthenware, but Hancock soon began to experiment with other materials, such as porcelain and bone china. In 1891, the company was renamed S. Hancock & Sons, and Hancock's three sons, Jabez, Harry, and Arthur, joined the business.

The company's products were known for their high quality and attractive designs. In 1912, S. Hancock & Sons introduced a new line of china called Corona Ware. The term "Corona" referred to the radiating patterns that were often used in the decoration of the ware. Corona Ware was made from a fine-grained porcelain, and was decorated with delicate floral patterns. more... The new line was an immediate success, and helped to establish S. Hancock & Sons as one of the leading ceramics manufacturers in England. Other popular patterns produced by the company were Duchess China, Grosvenor Ware, Ivory Ware, Morris Ware, Rubens Ware, Titian Ware. These patterns are known for their delicate floral designs, which were often hand-painted by skilled artisans. S. Hancock & Sons also produced a variety of other patterns, including geometric designs, landscapes, and portraits.

The company continued to produce high-quality ceramics throughout the 20th century. In 1935, the company was renamed S. Hancock & Sons (Potters) Ltd., and moved to a new factory in Hanley. The company continued to operate until 1968, when it was acquired by Wedgwood. less...