CHAPTEE IX 



FOUNDING OF ETRUKIA PARTNERSHIP WITH BENTLEY 



THE great demand for the Queen's ware and the other 

 productions of Josiah Wedgwood led to a large 

 increase in the population of Burslem. Houses could 

 scarcely be built soon enough for the accommodation 

 of the people. The demand for Vases also brought 

 a considerable number of artists and superior workmen 

 into the neighbourhood ; and not only was the dwelling 

 accommodation insufficient, but the factories also be- 

 came overcrowded. The numerous hands could scarcely 

 find room enough for the proper elaboration of their 

 wares. 



It was therefore necessary that Wedgwood should 

 make some arrangements for their proper accommoda- 

 tion. He did not like to leave his native town. He 

 endeavoured in the first place to ascertain whether he 

 could not purchase and enlarge the manufactories in 

 which he carried on his operations, and erect new dwell- 

 ings for his work-people. Having by this time accumu- 

 lated some savings, as well as increased his means by 



