Thomas Turner

Thomas Turner was an English pottery manufacturer who extended a local earthenware pottery in Caughley, Shropshire, in 1772 to produce soaprock porcelain. This factory became known as the Caughley China Works.1

Turner had a close connection with the Worcester porcelain factory, and in 1775, Robert Hancock, a pioneer in copper plate engraving for transfer printing, joined him. The majority of Caughley's ware, often called Salopian ware, was blue and white, primarily featuring blue printing. Turner's successful use of blue-printing techniques led to a wide variety of patterns, including sporting scenes, views, and commemorative items. Notably, Caughley introduced the original Willow pattern around 1779, which became a widely recognized domestic design. The Caughley works was later purchased by John Rose in 1799.1