The people of Fermanagh have always been craftsman, and an ancient journal records that they were excellent sword makers. Belleek Pottery was founded in 1857 by John Caldwell BLOOMFIELD, the local landlord, David McBIRNIE, a Dublin merchant and financier, and Robert Williams ARMSTRONG, an architect turned inventor and ceramics expert. Immediately recognizable by its creamy translucent glaze, distinctive decoration and delicate basketware, Belleek china also carries a transfer of images symbolic of Irish culture and tradition - the round tower, harp and Irish wolfhound. This trademark is very important in dating pieces, and collectors need to be aware of fraud. More than half the major Belleek collectors are men; the well-known American author, Mark TWAIN was a Belleek collector. What makes Belleek so collectible is the fact that it was produced in such small quantities, the larger English, German and French companies of the same period were producing vast quantities for the Victorian market. In the world of antiques, quality and rarity are equally important. Belleek Pottery did not keep very many records of the early pieces made and occasionally new, unrecorded pieces turn up. (My particular favorite is a charming little sailor boy who sits, sleepily resting his head in his hand and forming the lid of a little box only six inches in height). Many people who collect Belleek have Irish roots and there is a Belleek Collectors International Society. It is believed that the little Irish china vase with shamrocks on it, as described in the list of items recovered from the "Titanic," was a Belleek vase belonging to one of the ill-fated passengers. The winning of a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition of 1900 added to the prestige of the Fermanagh Pottery. The dainty "Twig" basket shows the skill and dexterity of the craftworkers of Belleek. "Prisoner of Love" is a beautiful piece portraying a young girl whose wrists are bound with garlands of flowers while doves or lovebirds coo. Each petal and leaf which decorate candlesticks have been individually created and added with great care, truly a delicate art. A recent Sotheby's Irish Auction featured a First Period Double Photograph Frame, a First Period Crouching Venus Figure painted bronze, and a First Period Thorn pattern mug. Belleek tea sets are also highly prized. (Political mischief - a chamber pot featured a transfer inside of the Victorian Prime Minister William GLADSTONE). A bust of the writer Charles DICKENS (1812-70) was created; Dickens visited Ireland three times in 1858, 1867 and 1869 when he held readings in Cork, Limerick and Belfast. Sited on the banks of the River Erne near the Donegal-Fermanagh county boundary, an imposing building is home to Belleek Pottery. -- Excerpt, "Ireland of the Welcomes"