A series of London Gazette partnership notices records the changing ownership of the Peel Works during the 1880s. 

• Hulme & Massey - In October 1883, the partnership between Alfred Hulme, Richard Hulme, Enoch Massey senior, Enoch Massey junior and Richard Vernon Wildblood was dissolved by mutual consent. 

• Massey Wildblood & Co - Following this reorganisation, the business continued at the Peel Works under the management of Enoch Massey senior, Enoch Massey junior and Richard Vernon Wildblood.
  

  • By October 1885 Edward Hughes had joined in the partnership of Wildblood & Co.

  • At this date Enoch Massey senior retired from the business, leaving Edward Hughes, Enoch Massey junior and Richard Vernon Wildblood to continue the china manufacturing business at the Peel Works under the existing firm name.

• Richard Vernon Wildblood - A further notice dated December 1886 recorded the dissolution of the partnership between Enoch Massey junior, Richard Vernon Wildblood and Edward Hughes. Thereafter, the business was carried on by Richard Vernon Wildblood alone, who assumed responsibility for all outstanding debts and accounts of the former partnership.

The cup and saucer shown above can be identified as the work of Massey, Wildblood & Co. of the Peel Works, Longton. The pieces carry the registration number “Rd No 38782” together with the initials “M.W. & Co.” stamped to the base. 

• This design was registered on 26 November 1885 and described in the registration records as a “plate border decoration” consisting of “three lobe shaped trellis bordered panels each with a spray of flowering wild roses”.

• The wares are decorated with a transfer-printed outline design which has subsequently been hand coloured, with gilt edging and detailing. 

• The reverse carries the inscription “A Present from Sheffield”, indicating that the pieces were produced as souvenir ware, a popular late Victorian market.

• Some wear to the gilt decoration is visible, consistent with age and use.

NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between the undersigned, Alfred Hulme, Richard Hulme, Enoch Massey the elder, Enoch Massey the younger, and Richard Vernon Wildblood, as China Manufacturers, at Peel Works, Stafford-street, Longton, in the county of Stafford, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. 

And notice is further given, that the business will in future be carried on by the said Enoch Massey the elder, Enoch Massey the younger, and Richard Vernon Wildblood, who will pay and receive all moneys owing by or to the late firm.—

Dated this 22nd day of October, 1883.

Alfred Hulme.
Richard Hulme.
Enoch Massey, sen.
Enoch Massey, jun.
Richard V. Wildblood

NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between Enoch Massey the elder, Edward Hughes, Enoch Massey the younger, and Richard Vernon Wildblood, heretofore carrying on business at Peel Works, Stafford-street, Longton, in the county of Stafford, as China Manufacturers, under the style or firm of Massey, Wildblood, and Co., has this day been dissolved, by mutual consent, so far as regards the said Enoch Massey the elder, who retires from the said firm. 

All debts owing by and to the said firm will be paid and received by the said Edward Hughes, Enoch Massey the younger, and Richard Vernon Wildblood, who will in future carry on the business on their own account, under the same style as heretofore.—

Dated this 12th day of October, 1885.

Enoch Massey, senr.
Enoch Massey, junr.
Edward Hughes.
Richard Vernon Wildblood.

NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, Enoch Massey the younger, Richard Vernon Wildblood, and Edward Hughes, carrying on business at Longton, in the county of Stafford, as China Manufacturers, under the style or firm of Massey, Wildblood, and Co., has this day been dissolved by mutual consent; 

and that in future the said business will be carried on by the said Richard Vernon Wildblood alone, who will receive and pay all debts due to and owing by the said firm.—

Dated this 10th day of December, 1886.

Enoch Massey, junr.
Richard Vernon Wildblood.
Edward Hughes.