The pottery industry of Stoke-on-Trent

THE pottery industry has long been an integral part of life in Stoke-on-Trent.

The six towns, known throughout the world as the Potteries, grew up on the back of the industry.

Staffordshire’s rich deposits of coal and clay meant the area was a breeding ground for potters more than 300 years ago. In fact, the manufacturing of pottery can be traced back to medieval times in some parts of the city.

But it was during the industrial age, thanks to the vision of master potters like Josiah Wedgwood and Josiah Spode, that the name of Stoke-on-Trent became forever linked with earthenware and fine bone china.

It was Josiah Spode who invented the latter from his factory in Stoke, while Josiah Wedgwood played a tremendous role in the growth of the industry. His innovative designs and business strategy set the standard. He also encouraged James Brindley to build the Trent & Mersey Canal, which allowed pottery to be delivered smoothly and easily from Stoke-on-Trent throughout the world.

Pottery manufacturers were quick to set up business throughout the six towns, particularly in Burslem, the Mother Town of the Potteries. Famous brands like Minton, Beswick and Royal Doulton all set up home in Stoke-on-Trent over the years.

The city has also been home to some of the industry’s greatest ever designers, including Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper and Lorna Bailey, whose work still commands huge fees at auction.

Today the heyday of the pottery industry is well and truly over, and the late 20th century and early 21st century has seen the collapse of giants like Royal Doulton, Spode and now Wedgwood.

Stoke-on-Trent is still home to factories like Dudson, Portmeirion and Churchill China, but the days when the pot banks were a huge part of the city’s landscape are long gone.

In this dedicated section, we look back at how the industry developed over the years – including the giants like Royal Doulton, Wedgwood and Spode – and take stock of what is happening in the ceramics trade today.

It’s a part of the website which will continue to evolve, so check back soon to see what we’ve added and to catch up on the very latest developments at those firms which continue to call Stoke-on-Trent their home.

The pottery companies