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THE DENBY POTTERY COMPANY LIMITED

A ‘POTTED’ HISTORY

REASONS FOR LOCATION

Derbyshire is a county with a long history of manufacturing stoneware pottery. Some 250 years ago, London, Nottingham and Derbyshire were the main centres producing both decorative salt glazed stoneware and functional vessels to hold everyday commodities.

Derbyshire’s potting heritage is closely associated with the geology of the county. Clay deposits are located in close proximity to coal measures and provided all but salt for the making of pottery. In 1806, during the construction of a turnpike road from Alfreton to Derby a seam of clay was uncovered at Denby.

THE BOURNES

Joseph Bourne

William Bourne, a potter at nearby Belper Pottery, was summoned to examine the clay and immediately recognised its fine qualities. From a number of small buildings on the site of the clay bed, Denby Pottery was established in 1809 and William gave his youngest son, Joseph, the onerous task of running the pottery.

Although just a young man in his early twenties, Joseph soon proved his father’s faith in him was justified. Known as ‘Joseph Bourne’ the pottery at Denby prospered and soon built up an international reputation for its quality bottles and jars. In the early 19th century, glass was still expensive and stoneware jars were essential to hold commodities such as preserves, pickles, ink, polish, ginger beer and mineral water etc.

Joseph was not only ambitious with the commercial acumen to prosper but he was also an innovator and patented many of his ideas for improved firing methods in salt glazed kilns.

After Joseph’s death in 1860 his only son, Joseph Harvey Bourne, took over the running of the Pottery. Sadly, Joseph Harvey had little time to prove he was a worthy successor to his father as he died some 9 years afterwards. For the next 30 years the pottery was managed by Joseph Harvey’s widow, Sarah Elizabeth Bourne. Under her guidance the company continued to prosper and the product range widened to include decorated artware, extended ranges of kitchenware and the pottery became one of the main producers of telegraphic insulators.

Sarah Elizabeth Bourne

Sarah Elizabeth and Joseph Harvey had no children to inherit the thriving business and on her death in 1898 control of the pottery passed to two nephews. Sarah’s own nephew withdrew from the business in 1907, leaving the third ‘Joseph’ - Joseph Bourne Wheeler as the sole proprietor. In 1916 the firm was formed into a limited liability company with Mr Bourne Wheeler as Governing Director – a post he held until his death in 1942.

Electric Blue

TIMES OF CHANGE

As glass became less expensive and a more popular method of holding fluids, stoneware bottles and jars were no longer required, so Denby concentrated on kitchenwares and extended its range of artware. Pottery reflects the spirit of the age and sadly many other stoneware potteries in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire could not keep pace with these changes and closed as salt-glaze became outdated and unpopular. New kilns were installed at Denby and glazes were developed within a very short time which were compatible with the new methods of firing. The ranges of kitchenware introduced at this time such as Cottage Blue and Manor Green were to become classics and remain in production for the next 50 years.

SECOND WORLD WAR

Denby had begun its transformation into a producer of tableware but the Second World War brought manufacturing restrictions and coloured glaze stains could not be obtained. Along with industrial ware such as telegraphic insulators and battery jars, Denby produced only one range during the War years called ‘Utility Brown’ and catered for the thirst of our armed forces by producing NAAFI teapots and large bottles to hold sailors’ rum rations!

Greenwheat

MARKET LEADER

After the War Denby soon regained its stride producing a series of best selling tableware patterns elevating Denby to the fore in ceramic design along with a striking range of jugs, bowls and chargers named ‘Glynware’ after their designer. Denby employed the best designers producing iconic ranges such as ‘Greenwheat’, ‘Chevron’ and ‘Studio’ which were internationally acclaimed.

In the 1970s Denby spearheaded a new concept in tableware called ‘oven-to-tableware’ with ranges such as Arabesque epitomising the term. The combination of good designs in tableware, cookware, and serveware combined with the inherent durability of Denby eliminated the need to transfer food from ‘cooking pots’ to ornate tableware dishes.

Arabesque

OWNERSHIP CHANGES

A large portion of Denby’s production was exported and Denby acquired its USA agent in 1970 reflecting the importance of the USA market. In the same year the company was first floated on the London Stock Exchange. Then in 1981 Denby shares were acquired by Crown House Engineering and the pottery joined the group’s stable of tableware companies (including Edinburgh Crystal, Thomas Webb Crystal, George Butler Cutlery and Dema Glass). During this period a series of patterns under the ‘Renaissance Collection’ reflected the more formal style in vogue.

In 1987 the wallcoverings and home furnishings conglomerate ‘Coloroll’ acquired Denby Pottery along with its sister companies. Coloroll placed a strong management team at Denby including one young man who has become responsible for Denby’s design direction ever since. When ‘Coloroll’ became a victim of its own ambitious acquisition policy, the Denby management team undertook a management buyout of the sound pottery company.

DENBY TODAY

By 1994, with classic tableware ranges such as Imperial Blue and Regency Green proving to be best sellers, it was clear that the business needed financial input to fund new plant and equipment.

The company was floated on the London Stock Exchange by which time turnover had doubled from £10.7m in 1990/91 to £21.9m in 1993/94. Over the last decade substantial investment has been made at Denby and, sitting alongside traditional potting skills, Denby has the latest ceramic technology.

Oyster

In 1999, however, external factors prompted the Denby management team to return the company to private ownership through a management buy-out, initially through Phildrew Ventures and subsequently The Bank of Scotland. Today, with a turnover of around £40 million, Denby produces a broad range of tableware which is as stylish and durable as it’s founder intended.

At Denby we are immensely proud of our heritage and reputation for products of quality which have been built up over generations. More importantly, Denby has sustained its ability to produce contemporary designed products to keep pace with ever changing lifestyles.

Linda Salt Museum Curator

Further detailed history on Denby Pottery and its products can be found in:

Denby Stonewares – a Collector’s Guide Authors: Graham & Alva Key Publisher: Ems and Ens Ltd ISBN 1-874558-03-5

Denby Pottery 1809 –1997 Authors: Irene & Gordon Hopwood Publisher: Richard Dennis ISBN 0-903685-52-3

For further information see the Denby website www.denby.co.uk

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