Belleek porcelain is an intriguing innovation. Recognized for its delicate nature and fine manufacturing, Belleek style porcelain has been around since the mid 1800s. It originated in the small Irish town of Belleek shortly after the potato famine, when the owner of a plot of land decided to open a factory to provide jobs for his unemployed tenants. The Belleek porcelain is slightly translucent and ultra-thin.
Willets Manufacturing Company has been making Belleek items since the 1880s. Artist Walter Lenox actually worked for Willets making Belleek porcelain. Willets produced Belleek items until they closed down their production in the early 1900s. Their pieces can be hard to find, but they are definitely worth the search!
willets belleek
