Architecture Adrenaline
Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
The company came into being in 1883, the brainchild of four dedicated brothers. Manufacturing of durable earthenware called "White Granite" became their early speciality, leading the company to earn a significant spot within the ceramics industry. So much so, that they altered their brand to Johnson Brothers in 1888. By the end of the century, five members from the Johnson family were efficiently running the enterprise, managing operations on both sides of the Atlantic.
Pioneers in their field, the Johnson Brothers began experimenting with a wider range of tableware in the early 20th century. This included exquisite fine china and bone china productions. 1905 saw the introduction of their "Eternal Beau" pattern which turned out to be a major success and continues to be popular even today.
World War II brought about a significant change in the company's operations. Transitioning from their regular line of work, they shifted their production towards utilitarian items. However, as normal life resumed post-war, Johnson Brothers were quick to revert to recreating their signature tableware and decorative ceramics.
Disingenuously creative, the company carved a niche for itself in the British tableware market during the 1950s and 1960s. They produced marvelous designs, most notably "Dawn", "Old Britain Castles", and "Historic America". Their popular transferware and flow blue porcelain known for mid-range prices earned them a wide consumer base in the US.
1968 brought about a significant change in the company's lineage. The Wedgwood Group acquired Johnson Brothers, yet the operations continued under the Johnson Brothers name for a substantial period afterward. However, shifts in the global market led to the relocation of production to China in 2003.
Despite being owned by the Wedgwood Group, Johnson Brothers discontinued the production of tableware, carving out the end for an era in British ceramic manufacturing. However, their legacy remains unforgotten, plotting a grand journey from "White Granite" earthenware to "Eternal Beau", making them the pioneers in British tableware.
After World War I, the Johnson Brothers witnessed major success with the introduction of "Dawn", a novel colored clay range available in diverse shades such as gray, rose, green, and gold. The Historic America and Old Britain Castles series exhibited classic scenes, often featuring turkeys, celebrated for their nostalgic, homely effect.
Post-World War II witnessed the introduction of the Carnival line in the 1950s. Reflecting mid-century modern designs coupled with bold colors and tapering bases, the line remained true to their legacy of innovation and creativity.
