Description
James Kent Pottery, established in 1897 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England, is renowned for its fine china and earthenware produced under the “Old Foley” brand. Founded by James Aloysius Kent, the company began with a team of five artisans from his previous venture, Barker & Kent, including Septimus Bennett, brother of the novelist Arnold Bennett .
Company History
Initially a family-run enterprise, James Kent Pottery remained under family ownership until 1981, when it was acquired by Bayer (UK) Ltd. Subsequent ownership changes led to the formation of James Kent (1989) Ltd. The company operated from the Old Foley Pottery site until around 2006, after which it moved to the adjacent Foley China Works. By 2008, James Kent ceased operations, and both the Old Foley Pottery and Foley China Works were demolished by 2010 .
Product Lines and Collectibility
James Kent Pottery produced a wide array of items, including dinnerware, teapots, figurines, and decorative pieces. Notable patterns include “Chinese Rose,” “Wildlife Birds,” and “Moonglow.” The company was particularly recognized for its chintz designs—floral patterns on cream-colored backgrounds—and its use of figural pieces like high-heeled shoes and animal figurines.
Identification and Marks
Collectors can identify James Kent pieces by various backstamps, such as:“James Kent”
-
“Royal Semi China”
-
“Old Foley”
-
“Royal Foley Ware”
-
“James Kent Ltd” (post-1913)
These marks were used at different periods, with “Ltd” indicating the company’s incorporation in 1913 .
