PYRKE, JOHN (1755 - 1834), the third of the Usk japanners

Name: John Pyrke
Date of birth: 1755
Date of death: 1834
Gender: Male
Occupation: japanners
Area of activity: Art and Architecture; Business and Industry
Author: Robert Stephen

He came from London (where he sold japan-ware, principally tea-urns) to Usk in 1799, and in 1814 became owner of the japannery of Thomas Hughes (1740 - 1828). Pyrke popularized the chocolate-brown lacquer for which Usk japan became noted; and also used papier-maché as a base. His decoration was artistic, but the quality of his lacquer deteriorated. Pyrke (a burgher of Usk in 1815, and portreeve in 1817 and 1824) was an active public man, a Liberal in politics, and a great supporter of the Lancastrian schools. He sold his factory, in 1826, to Evan Jones (1790 - 1860). He died 1 November 1834, and was buried at Twyn.

Author

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/

The Dictionary of Welsh Biography is provided by The National Library of Wales and the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies. It is free to use and does not receive grant support. A donation would help us maintain and improve the site so that we can continue to acknowledge Welsh men and women who have made notable contributions to life in Wales and beyond.

Find out more on our sponsorship page.