Henry Loveridge and Co.
Shortly after this, Shoolbred went into partnership with Henry Loveridge, and moved from the John Street premises to 'The Merridale Works' which was completed in 1848. The firm flourished under various partnerships until it finally became Henry Loveridge and Co., one of the leading Japanware manufactories in the Midlands. Their artistic standard was questioned in the early years as they produced mainly functional goods rather than decorative ones. However, by the time of the Paris exhibition in 1867 the goods were described as 'highly satisfactory' which demonstrates their skill and growing reputation. The firm employed an artist called Richard Stubbs, and many pieces of his work have survived and are on show at Bantock House. This collection is interesting as it is one of the few occasions when an artist's work on japanned goods can be reliably attributed.