Haigh Hirstwood - 1778-1854

YORK CHINA MANUFACTORY. 
In 1838 Mr. Haigh Hirstwood, formerly of the Rockingham China Works, established a china manufactory in York, and by the succeeding spring had so far progressed that the following paragraph appeared in one of the York papers : " York China Manufactory — Mr. Hirstwood, of Stonegate, is erecting a kiln, extensive warehouses, etc., in the Groves, for manufacturing, gilding, and burnishing china, which has not previously been attempted in this city." 
The works were established in Lowther Street, Groves, and were continued until about 1850, when the concern was wound up. Mr. Haigh Hirstwood was at the famous Rockingham works, under the Bramelds, for forty years, he was a clever painter of flowers, etc., and was considered the best fly painter at the Rockingham works. 

According to Jewitt, in 1826 he copied for use in the decoration of the Rockingham china upwards of five hundred insects at Wentworth House, which had been arranged by Lady Milton, the daughter-in-law of Earl Fitzwilliam. He, and his sons Joseph and Thomas, who were brought up at the Rockingham works.

YORK POTTERYwere engaged upon the chefs-d’service of that manufactory, namely, the services for Fitzwilliam. and for the Duchess of Cumberland. He was succeeded in his business in Coney Street, where the china, etc., was sold, by his son William Hirstwood, who was not a practical potter like Joseph and Thomas. 

When Haigh Hirstwood started kilns in Lowther Street and commenced business in the decorating and finishing departments, he did not' actuall}' make any, but bought liis china, etc., in the "white" from Sampson, Bridgwood, and Co., of Longton, Staffordshire, and from others, and then decorated and finished it. He was assisted in his work by his son-in-law, William Leyland, who was also from the Rockingham works, and a clever painter, gilder, and enameller, but disagreements arose and the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hirstwood dying in York in 1854. Mr. Leyland removed to London, where he took to printing and decorating lamps, and he died there in 1853. No special mark was used by Hirstwood.

The Misses Hoyle, Gillygate, York, grand-daughters of Haigh Hiistwood, have two plaques painted by Joseph Hirstwood,representing various flowers such as roses, dahlias, tulips, auriculas, woody nightshade, etc., and one painted by William Leyland showing foxglove, moss rose, guelder rose, and tulip. These are beautifully done, and I am much indebted to the Misses Hoyle for much information, and also for being permitted to examine their plaques and to have them photographed. 

She very kindly presented us with a broken plate, painted by Joseph Hirstwood, representing a basket of grapes, cherries, strawberries, currants, etc., with a broad blue border, having gilt bands and edge. Miss Sarah Hoyle remembers breaking this when she was a little girl. It is in the Rockingham style. 

It is not known where the Jonathan Martin mugs were made. They represent on one side Jonathan Martin with heavy fetters on either side of lum, and this inscription : "Jonathan Martin, the Incendiary, Tried March 31st, 1829, before Mr. Baron Hullock, and sentenced to confinement during His Majesty's pleasure." 

On the other side is a picture of the Minster burning, and this inscription : "York Minster on fire, Feb 2nd, 1829.'" These mugs are very rarely to be obtained now.