What is Japanware?
Japanware is modelled on the look of varnished and lacquered decorative arts from the Far East. In the beginning of the 17th century the first attempts were made to imitate imported Oriental decorative objects. The look became extremely popular in the 18th century following the ‘Age of Discovery’ and the opening up of the east to the western world.
Pontypool in Wales was the first place in Britain to produce tinplate and later became the leading centre of production for japanned metal objects.
Japanware is made through a process called ‘Japanning’. Japanning is carried out using heat to fix a hard coating of a coloured varnish or lacquer on to metal (tinplate), wood or papier mâché items. A japanned surface is a combination of base, ground, varnish and decoration layers.
Pontypool is rich in powdered oxides from iron ore which produces rich red and brown colours. These colours enhanced the authenticity of the colour, producing its own distinct decorative style. Painters were employed to paint popular decorative designs at Pontypool, these included floral and pastural scenes.
Pontypool Japanware was considered the height of fashion and became popular and sought after.
What is the link between Japanware and Pontypool?
Sometime in the 18th century the first Japanning Works in Pontypool was opened by Edward and Thomas Allgood. The first Japan Works was located on a small site in Trosnant, the exact location is unknown. Later the works moved to a bigger site in Upper Crane Street. Thomas’ experiments to prevent corrosion on black plate had led to the beginnings of the tinplate Japanning process at Pontypool.
In 1811 after the death of the final member in the Allgood family line of ownership, Billy Allgood, the Japan works began to decline and by 1820 production in Pontypool has ceased all together.
Was Japanware made anywhere else?
Edward Allgood (grandson of the founder Edward at Pontypool) quarreled with his family and decided to set up a new Japanning Works in Usk in 1761 with his brother Henry. The factory in New Market Street employed up to 20 workers. The decoration designs at Usk usually featured golden butterflies.
Following another family quarrel in 1779 Henry Allgood (Edward’s brother) made a move to Birmingham where other Japanning Works were already in operation copying and competing with ‘Pontypool’ made Japanware.
For Pontypool to compete it became necessary to mass produce everyday items and bring down the cost. This change along with a change in fashion taste for Japanware marked the end of production at Pontypool.
Where can I find examples of Japanware?
Some of the best examples of Japanware can be found on display in Torfaen Museum (visiting information). Also some great publications on the subject in the museum shop.
The National Museum of Wales also hold pieces in its collection.
If you enjoyed reading more about Pontypool Japanware and you want to enjoy reading more about History in the Making here are some more:
Heritage Hiker’s Guide. History in the Making. Gin
Heritage Hiker’s Guide. History in the Making. Porcelain
Heritage Hiker’s Guide. History in the Making. Ring of Bells
For more on Pontypool see The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Pontypool
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