Hancock

Sampson Hancock & Sons was prominent pottery company, established in 1857 by Sampson Hancock. It produced High Glaze, Rich Art Pottery, Rubens and Titian Ware designs competing directly with the highly acclaimed wares produced by Moorcroft. The wares were manufactured under the supervision of the then Art Director, F.X. Abrahams. The company employed about 150 people, which included designers like F.X. Abraham, George Cartlidge, Edith Gater and Molly Hancock, who created some of the best potteries during those times.

Their line of products included Ivory Ware, Morris Ware, Rubens Ware, Titian Ware, small decorative dishes, toilet wares, tablewares and fancy wares for the popular market. Sampson Hancock & Sons' range also comprised vases and vitreous hotel wares, a range of crested wares and Great War commemoratives. One of the most popular wares was the Morris Ware, which had several tube-lined patterns that closely mimicked the wares from Moorcroft. The company was renamed to S. Hancock & Sons (Potters) Ltd. in 1935. Unfortunately, the company closed down in 1937; however, the vintage wares from the company are still available at several online auction stores. The art potteries from the company have become a collector’s item and are much sought after.