Cotton (Lord Nelson)

No, I have not forgotten that this is a site for Australasian Ramekins. These are locally made examples of Cotton, U.K.

Lord Nelson Pottery was a British pottery that specialized in the creation of jugs and other tableware. Lord Nelson Pottery was the trade name used by Elijah Cotton Ltd. He founded Lord Nelson Pottery, Hanley, Stoke on Trent in 1885 and closing in 1981. He was there for the opening but missed the closure. Cotton started using the brand "Nelson Ware" about 1913 and the use of the name seemed to stop in the 1950's. According to an 1893 journal the business was built on the site of a previous works founded in 1758. Elijah had commenced his career some years earlier and to meet the needs of his growing business was obliged to find larger works.

After his father's death, Elijah’s son Edward Cotton took the helm of the growing firm, then Arthur, Edward's younger brother later took that position and was assisted in his later years by son Nigel. Lord Nelson Pottery was and always will be celebrated for its creation of jugs. The company became the largest manufacturer of jugs in the world. They also made an extensive range of most kinds of earthenware. Exporting was a very important segment of their business. They exported their products to many countries, including included Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United States. In each country a leading local firm represented their interests. Lord Nelson Pottery remains a favourite among collectors.

In Australia, their designs for ramekins seem to be produced firstly by Lane, Kemp and Willis, (Lane) in Burwood, Victoria, then by Elischer. Some of the Wembley ramekins also used a similar design.