Antique Bridgwood & Clarke Parian Porcelain Bust of Charles Dickens c1860

Manufacturer Bio;

Bridgwood & Clark was a partnership between Jesse Bridgwood and Edward Clark, established in 1857 at the Churchyard Works in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. They expanded to a second location in 1862. Their primary output was earthenware, particularly white ironstone for the American market, as well as general domestic earthenware and "artists' goods" like tiles and slabs. The partnership was short-lived, ceasing in 1864 upon the death of Jesse Bridgwood, after which the business was continued by Edward Clark as Edward Clarke (& Co). The bust you described is a piece of Parian ware, which was a popular choice for portrait busts of contemporary celebrities during the Victorian era.

Value and Rarity

Bridgwood & Clark was a smaller firm compared to major Parian producers like Minton or Copeland, and their specific Parian busts are less common than their more standard earthenware products. The "B & C" impressed mark confirm its origin and specific period of manufacture (1857-1864).