Burgess & Leigh & Middleport Pottery
Burgess & Leigh is one of the most storied names in English ceramics, with roots in Burslem, Staffordshire, the historic heart of Britain’s pottery industry. Operating from the iconic Middleport Pottery, the company produced beautifully crafted semi-porcelain and earthenware that remains sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts today.
For Mockingbird Heirloom Co., Burgess & Leigh pieces represent a blend of history, craftsmanship, and timeless design—perfect for curated tiered trays and heirloom decor.
The Founding of Burgess & Leigh
Burgess & Leigh began in the mid-19th century, during England’s Industrial Revolution, when pottery manufacturing was rapidly expanding. The company emerged from earlier partnerships and was officially renamed Burgess & Leigh in 1862, combining the surnames of its principal partners.
Located in Burslem, one of the six towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, the company benefited from local clay deposits, skilled labor, and canal transportation that allowed ceramics to be exported worldwide.
Middleport Pottery: A Model Industrial Factory
In 1889, Burgess & Leigh opened the Middleport Pottery, a purpose-built factory designed to streamline ceramic production. Positioned along the Trent & Mersey Canal, it allowed raw materials and finished goods to be transported efficiently.
Middleport Pottery is considered one of the best-preserved Victorian industrial pottery sites in the world and continues to produce ceramics today, making it a rare example of continuous English ceramic manufacturing.
What Burgess & Leigh Produced
Burgess & Leigh became known for:
Blue and white transfer-printed tableware
Botanical, scenic, and geometric patterns
Semi-porcelain and earthenware dinner services
Victorian and Edwardian household ceramics
Their transfer-printing technique allowed intricate designs to be applied to ceramics, giving everyday plates an artistic and collectible quality.
Understanding “Semi Porcelain England”
Many Burgess & Leigh plates are marked “Semi Porcelain England.”
This refers to a ceramic body that is:
Whiter and stronger than traditional earthenware
Less translucent than bone china
Designed for durability in everyday households
Semi-porcelain was widely used in late Victorian and early 20th-century homes and represents the practical elegance of English dining.
The Burleigh Name and Continued Production
Over time, Burgess & Leigh became widely known under the Burleigh brand, a shortened combination of the founders’ surnames. Burleigh continues to produce ceramics at Middleport Pottery using traditional tissue transfer-printing methods, preserving techniques that date back more than a century.
Why Burgess & Leigh Plates Are Collectible Today
Collectors and designers seek Burgess & Leigh pieces for several reasons:
Authentic Staffordshire Heritage
Produced in the world-famous Potteries region.
Traditional Transfer Printing
Each pattern reflects historic printing methods and design motifs.
Long Production History
Patterns often spanned decades, adding historical depth and variation.
Timeless Blue & White Aesthetic
Their classic palette works seamlessly in modern and vintage interiors.
Burgess & Leigh in Heirloom Tiered Trays
Burgess & Leigh plates are ideal for curated tiered trays because they offer:
Durable ceramic bodies
Balanced proportions for tiered stacking
Intricate designs that elevate display pieces
A tangible connection to English ceramic history
At Mockingbird Heirloom Co., these pieces are thoughtfully repurposed into functional heirloom decor—bringing historic craftsmanship into modern homes.