William James Neatby

Ernest Augustus Runtz said of him: "He was a true artist, and a man of fine character, and he pursued his art with a direct and single purpose."

W. J. Neatby's grandfather was also named William, and he was the owner of the timber yard in which his father, Samuel, was employed.

[4][5][6] In 1903 The Studio writes: "No sooner had he left school than Mr Neatby, at that time only a boy of 15 years, was articled to an architect in a northern provincial town.

"[7][full citation needed] Aged 21 and newly married Neatby decided to change his career's direction.

[8][full citation needed] Neatby's years at Burmantofts Potteries were very productive and he gained a lot of experience, particularly when it comes to architectural ceramics, field in which he will excel at.

In the 11 years Neatby has spent at Doulton's he worked at significant number of major architectural projects.

He also worked on Board School building (now Salford Education Offices) in Chapel Street, Salford, but probably his most prestigious project is when as the principal sculptor involved, he created terracotta sculpted bas relief panels for the New Physical Observatory at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

[10] Neatby preferred to use Carrara ware tiles for exterior, but notable exception where he used it in interior, to great effect, is Meat Hall at Harrods in London.