William Moorcroft was born in Burslem, Staffordshire in 1872 and after attending art school in Burslem, he went to South Kensington and finally on to Paris to complete his education.

In March 1897, William Moorcroft returned to Burslem and was offered a job as a designer with James Macintyre and Co. Ltd. who wanted to start an Art Pottery Department. Moorcroft was not only an artist but also a potter and he soon developed a style and technique which became synonymous with his name. Each piece was signed and William Moorcroft soon gained international recognition for his work which he exhibited from the early years of the 20th century. He won his first Gold Medal at the St. Louis International Exhibition in 1904 following which he supplied Tiffany of New York and Shreve & Co. of San Francisco whilst he was already supplying Liberty in London…(more)

 Also : http://www.pascoeandcompany.com/index.php/history-of-moorcroft