Johnson Brothers - Early Expansion (1888-1900)

Early Expansion (1888-1900)

Having established a solid reputation producing basic “whiteware” the company developed a product known as "semi-porcelain", a range of earthenware that had the characteristics of fine china, but the durability of ironstone. This kind of tableware soon became very popular in the United States due to its durability and low cost. In 1889 the Hanley pottery was opened, later the Alexander pottery and in 1891 the Imperial Works Pottery. In 1896 the Trent Sanitary Works was opened for the production of non-tableware products and Alfred Johnson left the business to establish his own pottery. By 1898 Robert Johnson had relocated to New York City to manage Johnson Brothers' rapid expansion into the North American market.