Belleek Pottery Factory

Belleek Pottery was established in 1857 and is celebrating 156 years.  The Visitor's Center encompasses an extensive gift shop, a museum and also a factory tour.  The factory tour is way beyond fascinating.  It is so clean and pristine...almost clinical.  It is also very quiet as the many artisans work on various pieces of Belleek ware.  We are intrigued by the pieces using the woven 

clay strips.  Once you see how long it takes and how many processes each piece involves, you aren't surprised at the prices most pieces command.  The entire tour is a very classy act.

  Each artist signs their work

   This is one of their prized pieces as it won a grand award at the Paris exposition in 1900.  One of a kind and priceless!

        After firing, painting and firing again.

       This is green ware before firing.  Look at the woven strands of clay.

     

     Over the years, Belleek has marked their pottery with various symbols, allowing the pieces to be dated according to their mark.  The mark always has the wolf, the castle and the Celtic harp.  We are eager to return home to see the age of the pieces we have.