When was Belleek Pottery established?

Belleek Pottery was established in 1857 in the village of Belleek, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The year 1857 is recognised by Belleek as the beginning of the pottery and marks the start of a manufacturing history that now stretches across more than 160 years. The pottery was created through the work of John Caldwell Bloomfield, architect Robert Williams Armstrong and businessman David McBirney. Providing employment for local people was one of the main aims behind the enterprise, particularly following the economic hardship of the Great Famine period.

Collectors sometimes confuse Belleek’s 1857 establishment date with the beginning of its famous Fine Parian production. The two dates are different. Early factory work included practical domestic ceramics and experiments with materials and firing techniques before Belleek developed the delicate porcelain for which it became internationally known. The major date for Fine Parian ware is 1863, this is the year associated with the arrival of Belleek’s celebrated Parian production and the beginning of the 1st trademark period, which runs from 1863–1891.