|
The story of how Thomas Goodwin Green founded the first Cornishware factory in the late 19th Century is a rather charming one. It all begins with a tale of unrequited love. After Thomas faced a rejected proposal from Mary Tenniel (sister of the illustrator of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ John Tenniel), he took his broken heart out to Australia. In an attempt of self-betterment for her favour he built up a successful business as a builder. A little later, Mary indeed had a change of heart. When Thomas caught wind of such changed affections in a letter from his sister, he swiftly sold his business, returned to Britain, and the two were married in 1862. During their honeymoon in Scarborough, after a chance encounter they acquired a small yet charming craft pottery at Church Gresley – the very same church on the backstamp if you look under any of our wares. Thomas set to work. His Australian building skills proved invaluable; problems of the swampy ground were eradicated, and eventually later in 1871 he set up an entirely new factory adjacent to original site.
|
