Book review: The Vine Pottery by Peter Goodfellow, reviewed by Fred Hughes

I first met the author Peter Goodfellow in the subterranean archives of the Potteries Museum when I was researching the Wood papers. Almost buried in documents this quiet former teacher and all-round athlete had decided, since his retirement in 1993, to indulge his passion for ceramic research. Where else better to start than with his own family for Peter is a descendent of the Birks’ family of the Vine Pottery which began in Stoke in 1894 with the collaboration of Lawrence Arthur Birks and Charles Frederick Goodfellow. As a result the author has produced a sumptuous manuscript of academic proportions in a story of connection and association with some of the most influential potters North Staffordshire has produced among whom are Minton, Spode, Louis Solon, Copeland, Frederick Rhead and his daughter Charlotte Rhead.

Under the name Goodfellow Birks & Co, later Birks Rawlins & Co, the company produced the Persindo Porcelain, an ivory ceramic with Middle Eastern decoration by former Minton designer Edmund G Reuter. Skills of pate sur pate and tubelining were employed fruitfully designed and created by family members earning the company many exhibition awards and the patronage of Queen Mary. The company closed in 1934.

This is a comprehensive and lavishly illustrated book wherein the author has provided us with a deep professional and personal insight of an exciting period of creativity in Potteries’ artistic design. It is a delight to read and fills a gap in Potteries’ heritage. At £35 it is worth every penny to collectors and historians alike. Published by the prestigious Antique Collectors’ Club available from the author via the Potteries Museum.