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Pottery Factory is Saved to Preserve Craft Skills
Listed under: News
Published: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The last working Victorian pottery in Britain has been saved, 'hours' from closure, by a mix of private equity, royalty and the taxpayer.
The 150-year-old factory will continue to trade as normal after The Prince Regeneration Trust, one of Prince Charles's charities bought the Middleport Pottery in Stoke, maker of famous Burleigh ware.
The factory will uphold the skills used since the height of English potteries over 200 years ago, and preserves 48 jobs for at least another generation with the move.
The pottery only stopped using steam power three years ago and features a distinctive bottle-shaped kiln.
The pottery industry has declined but still supports at least 7,000 jobs in Stoke, with Middleport Pottery being the last British pottery to use underglazing, which is vital to the brand's appeal.
After the production costs began to rise overseas, the UK have been allowed to compete for business more effectively with the Prince's interest helping to keep the craft alive.
The factory will uphold the skills used since the height of English potteries over 200 years ago, and preserves 48 jobs for at least another generation with the move.
The pottery only stopped using steam power three years ago and features a distinctive bottle-shaped kiln.
The pottery industry has declined but still supports at least 7,000 jobs in Stoke, with Middleport Pottery being the last British pottery to use underglazing, which is vital to the brand's appeal.
After the production costs began to rise overseas, the UK have been allowed to compete for business more effectively with the Prince's interest helping to keep the craft alive.
