When it comes to creating high quality porcelain products, few companies know how to do it as well as Belleek Pottery. Their pieces are known for their delicate, iridescent surface while the body is thicker and sturdy to make for an elegant and durable product. At company headquarters in Northern Ireland, the complex reflects their strong tradition ? they have been part of the history in the area for decades. Here?s more information about Belleek Pottery, including their history and products:

Company History and Information

In 1849 John Caldwell Bloomfield inherited his father?s Castle Caldwell Estate, which was in the village of Belleek. Conscious of the predicament of his tenants following the Irish potato famine, he sought to create worthwhile employment for them. Being a novice mineralogist, he arranged for a geological survey of his inherited estate. As luck would have it, the land was full of raw materials including flint, clay, shale, kaolin, and feldspar that was needed to make pottery production a reality. To start this business venture, Bloomfield joined hands with Robert Williams Armstrong, a London architect, and David McBirney, a wealthy Dublin merchant. Next, after much lobbying by Bloomfield, a railway line was constructed to Belleek allowing the transportation of coal in order to fire the kilns while at the same time transporting the finished Belleek product to market. With raw materials, capital, power, and transportation available, construction of Belleek Pottery headquarters started in 1858. By around 1865, the company had formed a growing market across Ireland and England and was also making exports to the United States, Australia, and Canada.

The Company is Renamed

After McBirney and Armstrong passed away, the property was purchased in 1884 by a group of local investors and renamed the Belleek Pottery Works Company Ltd. This was the beginning of the legacy that still continues today. In 1990, George G. Moore purchased the company. The current management company has overseen the swift expansion of Belleek by acquiring popular brands including Galway Irish Crystal, Aynsley China, and Donegal Parian China. In 2003, Belleek further expanded its product line by introducing a new brand referred to as Belleek Living, which features modern gifts and casual dining assortments. Today, their products are sold all over the world. At Belleek Pottery, only the highest quality pieces are for sale. The company continues to produce new and striking designs, conscious of its history and legacy. They make a variety of pieces ranging from kitchenware to decorative pieces which are an important part of any wedding registry! View our Belleek Pottery collection here.