J. & G. Meakin China White

Founded in 1851 in Staffordshire, England, J. & G. Meakin was a manufacturer of pottery, especially ironstone china or ironware. You can now find different varieties of J. & G. Meakin ironware pieces, such as dinner plates, available.

What is ironstone?

Ironstone is a type of ceramic that is made from clay rich in china stone. China stone is made of a certain type of granite that contains kaolin and feldspar. It is ground and added to more kaolin before it’s fired. Kaolin is a fine type of clay that goes into making porcelain, but ironware is more opaque than porcelain. Traditional ironware is white or cream colored.

What kinds of J. & G. Meakin ironware are available?

Pieces that are available are:

Dinner plates
Cups
Saucers
Pitchers
Compotes
Sugar bowls and creamers
Tureen
Tea and coffee pots

There are also dinner sets that feature dessert and cereal bowls, gravy boats, dessert plates, salt and pepper shakers, and serving bowls.

What are some patterns on these ironstone pieces?

Some of the patterns include:

Morning Glory
Classic White
Wheat and Hops
Blackberry Wheat
Sterling
Goddard White
Heirloom White

How do you take care of ironstone ware?

If the pieces from England are displayed, they should be dusted regularly with a duster or a soft cotton cloth. If a piece looks like it has been repaired, you should not immerse it in water, but wash it gently with a cloth just made damp in soapy water. This is because the glue used in antique pieces is often water-soluble. If the piece has not been repaired, it can be washed in warm water and a gentle dishwashing detergent. Do not wash it in the sink but in a plastic tub whose bottom is covered with a towel. Avoid putting these pieces in the dishwasher.

How do you store or display ironware?

If it is displayed, make sure your ironware objects are not touching. This protects these pieces from England from chipping. When they are put away, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper then put them in padded containers. Cups shouldn’t be nested, which can cause them to chip and their handles to snap. They should be placed rim up in one layer. If there’s not room to do that, stack them with a saucer between them.

Separate bowls and plates with rounds of felt to protect them, and only stack plates and platters that are the same size. The stack should be no more than four to six plates high. White ironware can be placed in direct sunlight, since their color has been baked in during firing, and the sun’s ultraviolet rays will not cause them to fade.

Meakin J. & G. White Pottery & Glass

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