The Norwich Pottery Works

Sidney Risley is believed to come from Hartford, Connecticut, where his brother Albert Risley had been a potter for many years. Sidney Risley leased land on 4 September 1835, where he built a pottery, which he later purchased on 2 April 1856. Risley's son, George L. Risley, entered the business with his father in 1865 and worked with until 1875, when Sidney Risley died. George L. Risley continued working there alone until he died on 24 December 1881, during a boiler explosion at the pottery. About a year later, the property was again opened as the Norwich Pottery Works, B. C. Chace, proprietor. Mr. Chace was succeeded in 1885 by George B. Chamberlain, and after he had run it for about two years, the business was continued by Otto N. Suderberg until its discontinuance, in 1895.

Important Dates:

Sidney Risley, sole proprietor of pottery, marks his wares, "S. RISLEY/ NORWICH", 1835-1865.

Sidney Risley and George L. Risley, proprietors of pottery, unknown mark or company name, 1865-1875.

George L. Risley, sole proprietor of pottery, unknown mark or company name, 1875-1882.

The Norwich Pottery Works, various owners, mark of "THE NORWICH POTTERY WORKS", 1882-1895.