Pottery marks double century

THE chairman of Denby Pottery has encouraged the workforce ahead of its 200th anniversary celebrations by saying he hopes it is around for another century.

At the end of the month, the firm's visitor centre in Derby Road will hold a weekend-long bicentenary party.

Earlier this year, the future of Denby and its 450 workers looked uncertain after the firm went into administration.

It was resurrected by senior management, who formed a new company called Denby Potteries Ltd.

The business shed 46 jobs, leading to a row over redundancy payments which was eventually resolved.

Now, it is moving forward and chairman Paul McGowan says he expects Denby will be around for decades to come.

He said: "Times have changed and tastes have moved on but the team at Denby Pottery continues to produce a high-quality, contemporary product that is rightly regarded as one of the gems of British manufacturing, upholding the traditions of a still proud company."

The new owners decided to make redundancies because of the impact the global economic downturn was having on the business.

They are still considering whether to move some manufacturing to "lower cost countries".

But Mr McGowan said he believed that the Denby brand would continue.

He said: "There are few brands which have survived to celebrate a bicentenary but Denby remains highly regarded, not only in the UK but also in North America, where Denby tableware continues to gain favour at the premium end of the market."

The birthday celebrations, on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, will be a chance for workers and fans of Denby to toast the firm's long history.

It was founded in 1809 by businessman William Bourne, three years after clay was discovered on the site.

One of its most famous products was the Denby hot water bottle, which was used by troops in the Napoleonic Wars.

Over the years, it adapted its product range, making telegraphic insulators during the 1870s.

During the Great Depression, its brightly coloured artware earned cult status and its brown teapots became famous in the Second World War.

At the birthday celebrations, visitors will be able to find out about the firm's history and how it makes its products today.

Other free attractions, from 10am to 5pm, include a Victorian fun fair, music, puppet shows, face-painting, a baking competition, a photo exhibition, gift fair, valuations and a barbecue.

There will also be 20% off products in the Denby factory shop.