Note 91 — Chapter V · HOUSES, FURNITURE, ETC.

Naturally, almost all the ornamental ceramics came from China or Japan—for the state of our own ceramic art was at a very low ebb; in fact, it was only in its infancy in the middle of the last century. Some pottery was made in Staffordshire and York, but it was near London that the manufacture of the best, such as it was, was seated. The potteries at Fulham were at work, as also Lambeth and Vauxhall. Thoresby tells us of this latter:[91] 'We went by water to Foxhall and the Spring Garden: I was surprised with so many pleasant walks &c. so near London. After dinner there, we viewed the pottery and various apartments there; was most pleased with that where they were painting divers colours, which yet appear more beautiful, and of different colours when baked.'