FAMILY, friends and ex-colleagues of former Wedgwood chairman Sir Arthur Bryan packed into Stoke Minster to celebrate his life.

Sir Arthur, who played a pivotal role in the world-famous Barlaston brand's recent history, passed away last month aged 87.

He leaves his wife Lady Betty Bryan and children Lawrence and Linda.

Sir Arthur was one the region's leading post-war industrialists and served as Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire for 25 years.

He joined Wedgwood in 1947 and was the first non-family member to become sole managing director and later chairman of the company.

Under his leadership, the firm embarked on an expansion policy that saw it buying up companies including Royal Tuscan and William Adams, and he also negotiated its merger with Waterford in 1986.

Guests at yesterday's memorial service, which had to be moved to a bigger venue because so many people wanted to attend, included Dudson Group chairman Ian Dudson and British Ceramic Confederation chief executive Dr Laura Cohen.

They heard of his flair for business, happy family life and dedication to the region.

Sir James Hawley, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said: "Sir Arthur couldn't have done more for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

"How did he do it? With great strength of character and a brilliant flair for knowing what direction to take.

"When he was made president of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons in the U.S. he was given three years to bring it back into profit – he did it in 14 months.

"In 1963, when he became managing director at Wedgwood its turnover was £2 million, and when he retired in 1988 it was £223 million."

Sir Arthur was knighted in 1976 for services to export.

Son Lawrence, who is chief executive at Stoke-based pottery Portmeirion, said: "There's a definition of success that's probably inaccurately attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson – 'To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

'To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

'To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded.'

"Thank you dad, you did a fine job."

Family friend Professor Peter Kopelman said: "I know Sir Arthur's family have received many letters from former colleagues – one of the most affecting read: 'I shall dearly miss Sir Arthur, he was a proper mentor and a proper man who ran a proper company with proper values.'"

Sir Arthur's granddaughter Laura Almond gave a reading and the Bishop of Stafford, the Right Reverend Geoffrey Annas, gave an address and blessing.