Belleek Pottery

The ethereal elegance of Belleek porcelain in its iconic pearly-white palette has been a hallmark of Irish porcelain production since the close of the 19th century. Still coveted today, Belleek pieces in perfect condition are increasingly difficult to find.

John Caldwell Bloomfield founded Belleek pottery. Named after the Northern Ireland town of its founding, Belleek began making small wares at the end of the 1850s. Early in the following decade, Belleek designers began to produce Parian porcelain, a bisque porcelain with a subtle white hue and delicate texture that was key to the refined aesthetics of Belleek’s designs. Within a few years, Belleek’s clientele worldwide skyrocketed due to their perfection of the art of porcelain. Their pieces were both delicate and dynamic, characteristics accentuated by the fine luster of the porcelain’s surface.

Though Belleek is still in production today, it is its antique and vintage pieces that are the most desired, particularly when they survive in exceptional condition.

Quick Facts

• Bloomfield inherited the Castle Caldwell estate in 1849, which included in its holdings the hamlet of Belleek. His late discovery that the locale was rich in the minerals essential to porcelain creation spurred the facility’s location
• The name "Belleek" is derived from the Gaelic language. It translates roughly into "Flagstone Ford"
• England’s Queen Victoria was one of the most prominent fans of Belleek’s wares. Further advancing Belleek’s presence on the international market was their elaborate display at the 1987 Dublin Exposition