Who founded Coalport, and when did it begin?

The origins of Coalport are generally dated to 1795, with John Rose listed as the founder in standard reference sources. Rose built a business near the Severn Gorge industries and the canal network, and subsequently developed the factory into a major English porcelain brand. Biographical and museum sources indicate an improvement in quality in the early 19th century, with increased demand for glazed china as recipes and firing control improved. Many pieces from the early years do not have the maker's mark, so attribution is often based on the shape, paste, style of decoration, and provenance of examples in collections.