The Industry & Railways of the South West Black Country STOURBRIDGE INDUSTRY   CHARLES SQUIRES, Maker of Fire-Clay Goods. History tells us that the art of pottery and glass making was know to the Chinese when the inhabitants of Great Britain were "noble savages," lived in caves, and dressed in skin. It is, therefore strange to contemplate that in our times the glass-house pots of at least one firm in China have been supplied by the firm of Charles Squires, Brettell Lane. Being established in 1830, the firm almost from the outset made a speciality of making glass-pots, which, as the name implies, are used in glass works in the manufacture of glass. They are made from the finest fire-clay with a care and scrupulousness which could hardly be exceeded if the glass-house pots were made from precious metals. The clay as it comes from the pit is selected and brushed, afterwards ground, mixed with water, and kept free from any impurity until used. The pots are formed by hand, and are allowed to dry naturally. The firm of Charles Squires have always borne a very high reputation as makers of fire-clay goods. As far back as 1851 they received at the London International Exhibition a certificate and medal for a complete glass furnace model, and since then they have been recognised as makers of the highest standard. It is interesting to note that the model in question found afterwards its way to the Geological Museum, London where it is still exhibited with an sample of Stourbridge fire-clay. In addition to their speciality this firm makes crucibles, grate bricks, backs and sides, linings, etc., all made of the very best clay, and of a durability which is regarded as equal to that of any other make. Mr. Charles Squires, the present head of the firm, has been connected with it for over half a century, and there is no man who possesses better knowledge of this trade. In this fact may be found the reason for the reputation which the goods manufactured here have in every part of the world. © Tom Cockeram 1999