The production of Belleek began in 1863, after W.H. Kerr and Robert Williams Armstrong approached David McBirney of Hibernian House, Aston Quay, Dublin to finance the venture. At the Dublin International Exhibition of 1865, Belleek displayed mainly stoneware and tableware, but also parian statuary and earthenware. During the initial stages, links with Staffordshire & Worcester Potteries are evident in design.