Edmund Elton facts for kids
Sir Edmund Harry Elton (born May 3, 1846 – died July 17, 1920) was a talented English inventor and studio potter. He was famous for creating beautiful pottery called Elton Ware at his Clevedon Elton Sunflower Pottery.
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Early Life and Family
Edmund Harry Elton was born in 1846. His father was Edmund William Elton, a painter. His mother, Lucy Maria, sadly passed away shortly after he was born. Later, his father married Clementine Sandryk from Florence, Italy. Edmund Harry had two half-sisters, Mina and Alma.
He attended Bradfield College and later Jesus College, Cambridge, for his education. In 1868, Edmund Harry married his cousin, Mary Agnes. Together, they had five children: Ambrose, Kathleen, Winifred, Bernard, and Angela.
A Baronet and Public Servant
In 1883, Edmund Harry inherited the title of Baronet and the family home, Clevedon Court, from his uncle, Sir Arthur Elton, 7th Baronet. This meant he became Sir Edmund Harry Elton.
He was also involved in the military as a high-ranking officer in the local volunteer army, the 1st Gloucestershire Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers). He served there until 1902.
Sir Edmund was a generous person. In 1898, he gave the town of Clevedon, North Somerset, a beautiful Clock Tower. This gift celebrated Queen Victoria's Jubilee, a special anniversary of her time as queen. In 1895, he was also chosen to be the High Sheriff of Somerset, an important local official.
The Art of Elton Ware
Sir Edmund Harry Elton was best known for his unique pottery, called Elton Ware. He was a studio potter, meaning he designed and created his pottery by hand in his own workshop. His pottery was made at the Clevedon Elton Sunflower Pottery.
After Sir Edmund Elton passed away in 1920, another ceramic artist named William Fishley Holland joined the pottery. The Elton pottery eventually closed in 1922, and William Fishley Holland started his own pottery nearby.
Legacy and Connections
Sir Edmund's daughter, Kathleen, married Guy Molesworth Kindersley. Their son was David Kindersley, who became a famous stone letter-cutter and typeface designer.
See also
- Castle Hedingham Ware
