The year 2017 marks 16 decades of distinctive, detailed, and stunningly beautiful craftsmanship at Belleek Pottery. Read on to learn more about this company’s rich Irish tradition.
The Founding Father
John Caldwell Bloomfield founded Belleek Pottery in 1857 in Northern Ireland. It is said that he started the company’s tradition of excellence in the beginning by declaring that any piece with a flaw—or even the slightest imperfection—be broken and destroyed. This became—and still remains—the standard for all pieces.
The Crafting Process
An astonishing 16 artisans touch each piece of Belleek pottery before they are available to consumers. This is a process that has not changed much since the inception of the company. From the initial designs, which are produced to reflect Ireland as well as the potter’s heritage, through to the actual making of the piece and on to quality control, each step plays an important part in creating these distinctive pieces.
The Anniversary Collection
To mark celebration of 160 years, the potter has introduced the Belleek Archive Collection. Collectors around the globe seek to have pieces from this prized compilation, which includes sixteen pieces—all of which represent a different decade in the company’s history as well as a distinctive style. One of the more popular pieces (shown above) in the collection features an image of the Belleek building in the 1860s alongside today’s factory. Each one of these limited edition pieces is marked with a unique backstamp, indicating its inclusion in the collection.
Shop for Your Own Piece
Plan a Trip to Tour Belleek Pottery
Visit the pottery museum, tearoom, and more at the Belleek headquarters. Visit Belleek.com to plan your trip.
What a great philosophy John had for his company and it is still ongoing today.
Bellek is elegant on any table setting
The Anniversary Plate is fabulous. I have the Millennium 2000 Fermanagh Plate. I have a cabinet filled with Belleek. Over the years I’ve broken some gorgeous pieces.
Two years ago I visited the Belleek Factory in Ireland which was one of the highlights of my trip since I have collected Belleek for several years. It was amazing and I couldn’t get over the ease at which the artists and craftsman create these masterpieces. To be able to see the pieces from beginning to the finished product was amazing and the showroom where they sell the pieces was delightful. If you go to Ireland this is a must see. I also have purchased several pieces for my daughter-in-law also who loves it.
Why did Beleek change from that lovely creamy color to white? It ruined it for me. I have been a collector for sometime(very slowly)and now I only look at Antique stores that have the wonderful creamy color.
I have been very fortunate, over the years, through your establishment, under the various titles, to now possess a very nice collection of Beleek ware, from the three muses, elephants as well as verious other animals, together with a tea service, tea pots and a large number of other items. I was started in my collection when I married and a cousin gave me three pieces as a wedding present. I have been married for 57 years now and have been adding to my collection ever since. Thank you for making this possible for me with such great service on your behalf.
out of this world pottery. so delicate and warmth each item. i love it. plastic world now. yours brings back elegance with love.
I have several pieces of Beleek from a Tea Set which I purchased on my first trip to Ireland to serving dishes and vases. I love every piece and use them all. Thank you for making Beleek and all the other lovely products available to us “Irish loving” friends!
I love my Belleek clock, but the works don’t seem to work anymore. The clock is not very old. Is there any way to just replace the works?
Do you have available a copy ( minus the printing) of the picture used on your recent catalog received in the mail? Took my breath away….beautiful !!!!!
You can’t find anything made as special as Beleek, especially to someone with Irish heritage!