BRICKWORKS & POTTERIES
OF THE IPSWICH (Qld) REGION
Alister J Cameron
BRICKWORKS & POTTERIES
OF THE IPSWICH (Qld) REGION
Alister J Cameron
TIMELINE
1865: George Fischer commences his pottery
1883: James Campbell purchases a half share in the pottery
By 1885: Campbell has bought out Fischer entirely.
Changes name to “Albion Brick & Pottery Works
FISCHER’S , POTTERY AT BREAKFAST
CREEK.
It is with great pleasure that we note the
steady extension of that valuable element in
our local industries, the potter’s ancient craft.
A visit to the work sheds of Mr. G. Fischer,
at Breakfast Creek, will equally repay curious
sightseers and those really interested in the
prosperity and advancement of the colony.
Eighteen months ago Mr. Fischer, a colonist of
sixteen years’ experience, selected the 13½ acres,
now containing the pottery, and its adjuncts
and appurtenances, having satisfied himself
after repeated and prolonged trials, of the
sterling quality of the contained clay.
The ground was then in the ordinary uncleared
condition of forest land, thickly covered with
timber. Felling and clearing, fencing, building
an unpretentious work-shop (160 feet by
20), a kiln, and running up a dwelling,
occupied some six months; and from
that time to the present, a space of a little
more than twelve months, a steady and
rapidly increasing business has been carried on.
In that time also another kiln of the same
dimensions as the first, viz., 10 feet diameter
and 12 feet altitude, with walls of nearly three
feet thickness, has been commenced; an
additional work shed 70 feet by 16, specially
erected to meet the increasing demand for fire
bricks and pantiles (roof tiles) , is approaching completion;
cart sheds, stables, well-kept garden, two houses
for the employees, and a large and-substantial
one for the energetic and enterprising owner
have appeared.
The pottery affords employment
to six men, turning out any article to which
clay can be made subservient— fire bricks,
drain pipes, from 3 to 18 inch, plain flower
pots (to the extent of upwards of 100,000 per
annum) fancy ditto, and ornamental vases,
water monkeys, jugs, dishes, pans, tiles of all
shapes, chimney pots, closet pans, and a host of smaller fry.
Source: The Telegraph (Brisbane) 26 February 1873 p2
Description: Orange Brick
Condition: Very crumbled and many small fissures.
Type: Fire (Kiln) Brick.
Frog: Large, flat frog with indented inscription.
Inscription: “FISCHERS” “F. BRICKS”
Origin: Embankment on Eastern Edge of Sandy Gallop.
Current Location: My Collection.