Delftfield Pottery

The pottery was founded by Robert & Lawrence Dinwiddie, of Germiston House, Glasgow in 1748. Robert was Governor of Virgina, and is credited with started George Washigton’s military career.  Lawrence was Provost of Glasgow. 

The earliest Scottish industrial pottery, Delftfield was set up to exploit local clays from the grounds of the Dinwiddie’s estate, however this proved impossible and they eventually had to import clays.  Tin-glazed earthenware was produced until the late 18th century, when creamware was produced.  Exports to America were profitable due to the position of Robert Dinwiddie. 

The pottery gained the attention of the famous James Watt, who was a partner in the firm and is known to have experimented with glazes and pottery throwing.  He had a property at the end of Delftfield Lane, now named James Watt Lane. 
The ownership of the pottery began to shift towards Watt’s relatives, around 1803, upon the death of the Dinwiddies. 

Eventually, the pottery site was sold to James Watt Jnr, with the Delftfield pottery having purchased the Caledonian pottery works and it’s unlikely the pottery produced further wares at this site after 1812, although the site wasn’t closed until around 1823.  The works were demolished.  A large tobacco warehouse took its place and still exists, now used as self-storage.