James Mason, born in Tean, Staffordshire, England, founded Mason Color as "Bleak Place Color
Works" in 1842. He and his wife, Mary Skerratt of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, well known as a
superbly competent color chemist, operated the plant until James’ death in 1865.

After serving an apprenticeship under his parents, their only child, Augustus Frederick Mason, with
his wife Keziah Jones, took ownership and continued producing colors at Bleak Place. Their son,
Fortunatus Quartus Mason, obtained degrees in Inorganic Chemistry and Analysis from the
Wedgwood Institute, working with his parents until leaving England for America in 1902. Fortunatus
settled in East Liverpool, Ohio, and founded Mason Color Works, the first ceramic color factory in
the USA, in October, 1902. "F. Q." Mason, as he was widely known, married Druscilla Creighton of
Malvern, Ohio. They had six children, of whom Gertrude Mason and Ronald K. Mason took up
employment at the plant, continuing the family legacy.

When F. Q. died in 1961, "Ron" Mason became president. He and his wife, Marjorie Franklin of
East Liverpool, had three children, David, Ann and Carol, all of whom worked at the East Liverpool
plant. Ron was very widely respected in the ceramic industry, and the plant continued to prosper under
his leadership. After Ron died in 1991 his son, David, became president, Carol and Ann vice-presidents.
They successfully continued to expand the plant and the product line. David became ill and died at 49
years old in July, 2000. An old family friend, Don Linger, then became president of Mason Color Works,
Inc. A new Board of Directors was established, and the company continues to expand, and is now
shipping its famous products to many countries throughout the world.

2002 marks the 160th anniversary of Mason Color as a family concern. Its products are widely used in
ceramics, investment casting, swimming-pool plasters and surfaces, home fireplace appliances, and
various other industries. The superb quality of its inorganic pigments combined with low prices and rapid
delivery enables Mason to remain at the top of its field. Expansion of the business is still in progress,
with new techniques and products creating an ever-increasing market. We encourage new contacts to
experience the friendly, family way in which we do business.