| Description | "The Erith Pipe-Works: The first step to implement the new policy was taken in 1923 when some twenty-five acres of land, fronting on to the Thames, were bought near Erith in Kent. On part of this site was erected two years later a factory to produce stoneware pipes, drainage materials and conduits by streamlined semi-mechanized methods which at that time were quite revolutionary, although mechanization has since been carried much further. This factory, for the layout of which C. E. Morris was mainly responsible, was at once acknowledged throughout the industry as the most up-to-date pipe-works in the world. The modern methods of production, mainly in one-storey buildings with a through-flow from the preparation and mixing of raw materials to the kilns, were as great an innovation as had been Henry Doulton's establishment of the first pipe-works in the world in 1846."
[Extracted from page 139-140 of: 'Royal Doulton 1815-1965: The Rise and Expansion of the Royal Doulton Potteries' by Desmond Eyles, Hutchinson & Co. (publishers) Ltd, 1st edition 1965. Stoke-on-Trent City Archives Local Studies Reference Number: 738.94246].
"Pipes: Since 1846, when Henry Doulton established at Lambeth the first factory in the world for making stoneware drain-pipes, Doulton have continued to play a leading part in their large-scale manufacture. During recent years competition has arisen from pipes made from other materials; it remains to be seen whether these will stand the test of time in the same way as stoneware. Meanwhile the demand for the latter continues at a high level and the answer of Doulton Vitrified Pipes Limited to competition has been to produce pipes more quickly and efficiently than ever before, while maintaining the same high standards of
quality, by the further mechanization of making processes and the installation of three large oil-fired chamber kilns at the Erith Works. The development of a new type of factory-made mechanical plastic joint (the 'Drawflex') and the production of pipes in longer lengths thus reducing the number of joints required in a pipe line are two other recent important innovations. Plans were announced in 1964 for the building of a new pipe-works, embodying the most modern methods of making and firing, at Dudley. In 1961 Doulton & Co. Limited acquired a holding of approximately 25% in Dinmore Pottery and Hardware Ltd. of Brisbane, makers of salt-glazed drainage goods and sanitary fireclay-ware. There is an interchange of technical information between the two companies. The Dinmore Works have since been extended, trading results have been satisfactory, and the association is proving of mutual benefit. A new company, Vitrified Clay Pipes Limited, formed jointly with Ellistown Brick & Pipe Co. Limited and The Hepworth Iron Co. Limited, was incorporated in November 1962 with an initial capital of £300,000, subscribed equally by the three companies. The objects of this association include co-operation in the development of new techniques, the expansion of the use of stoneware drainage-materials, and the acquisition of companies making similar products."
[Extracted from page 176 of: 'Royal Doulton 1815-1965: The Rise and Expansion of the Royal Doulton Potteries' by Desmond Eyles, Hutchinson & Co. (publishers) Ltd, 1st edition 1965. Stoke-on-Trent City Archives Local Studies Reference Number: 738.94246]. |