I have met some of the loveliest people through this shared love of teatime, and one of them is Frances Lamparter of California. Recently, Frances and her husband, Jeff, made a trip to England, and since she was going to the potteries at Stoke-on-Trent, she asked if there was anything in particular I wanted her to pick up for me there. Isn’t that generous? I told Frances that what I would most love for her to bring back for me was photos! I’ve been dying to know exactly what the potteries are like these days and whether they’re worth a visit. When she returned home, Frances mailed me some lovely brochures about the potteries, and I’m quite delighted to have them for my tea files!
Frances and Jeff also took the time to e-mail me some of Jeff's wonderful images from their tour of the potteries, and they have very kindly allowed me to share them here! I'm so grateful she was quite honest in telling me that what they actually found in the potteries were empty factories, since the manufacturing of the bone china has moved to China or elsewhere! So they saw factory outlets with inventory from China (a disappointment for her as it would have been for me), and some factory museums. The new Wedgwood visitors center and museum was supposed to open in April, but Frances reported it wasn’t yet open when they were there in May. Stoke-on-Trent remains on my "bucket list" of places to visit in England, and I'm so grateful to have Frances's first-hand report (and Jeff's photos!) so I'll know exactly what to expect. Above is a photo of the Aynsley Mill, and below are another photo of that site as well as the Portmeirion Factory Shop, quite a few photos from the factory of the still-locally-manufactured Emma Bridgewater (including some unfinished pieces, which I always love seeing), and the Royal Doulton and Royal Stafford outlets. I'm so grateful to Frances for serving as our eyes and ears at the potteries—until we all can go check them out for ourselves!
(Note: Be sure to notice the Emma Bridgewater tea caddy at top left that says "Yorkshire Tea" and, next to it, on top, the "Earl Grey Only" mug! I love that idea!)
What a shame that the potteries are empty! Makes me even more interested in Emma Bridgewater!
ReplyDeleteThat is sad, indeed.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens when empires such as the US of A and GB lose these kinds of heritage manufacturing, and if and when we ever go to war with the countries we farmed all our production to? Sad sad sad.
I LOVED this informative post, thanks to Frances, her hubs and yourself. :- )
So sad the potteries have ceased production. The truth is, however, the majority of young women aren't interested in fine china anymore. We live in such a hurry-up, casual society. Most young gals are perfectly content with disposable plates when they have company. It's a different world.
ReplyDeleteLove the Emma Bridgewater pottery -- agree so very sad productions are no longer done in USA. Not nice - very sad.
ReplyDeleteHow sad that the factories were empty. I guess most everything is moving to other countries to be manufactured. Thanks to Frances and Jeff and for sharing the pictures and visit.
ReplyDeleteWhen I originally started making plans to go to England next year I thought we would go here, but sadly we won't go there. Thanks for sharing the photos from Frances and Jeff, I enjoyed seeing them.
ReplyDeleteVery good information to have and it's so nice that Frances and Jeff sent along the beautiful photos. A trip to England and Ireland are on my "bucket list: " I will definitely use these resources before any trips are made.
ReplyDeleteOnce again Angela, your blog sparks interest, knowledge and wanderlust! Thanks so much, Joanie
My heart still breaks every time I think about the fact that the potteries are no longer functioning. Now, on the bottom of English china, many are stamped 'designed in England' instead of 'Made in England'. Sad.
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