What is 'Potter's Kiln (UK)?

My name is Pauline Grosvenor.  Being born in Stoke on Trent in the 50’s gave me an insight of how important the pottery industry was to the people and their livelihood.  Many families have worked in the factories over hundreds of years.  Times were hard and wages were meagre causing Stoke on Trent to become a deprived area.

Brands such as ‘Wedgwood’, Doulton, Spode and Minton are renowned throughout the world for their excellence in pottery manufacturing.

Today, many factories have closed or left England to manufacture abroad where production is cheaper, leaving many of the skilled potters unemployed

Some of the pottery workers have gone onto produce their own ware using the knowledge and skills they acquired over years of experience.  My aim is to help them by selling their ceramics/glassware over the Internet, so that the skills of the pottery industry are kept alive for future generations.

What is unique about 'Potter's Kiln (UK)? 

• Gives the opportunity for small business
• To sell their wares over the Internet
• To encourage some of the young talent in the local area
• Being hand-crafted gives individuality, no two are the same.
• You can personalise your items eg choice of colours etc
• Commission work can also be undertaken

I also sell collectable items such as Moorcroft, Wedgwood and Doulton ware.  Some date back to the 19th century when Queen Victoria was on the throne.  Envisage the rich eating from highly decorative porcelain being served by their butlers and maids scurrying around.

Being in Stoke on Trent gives me an opportunity to visit local auctions and buy from local people who have been collecting ceramics for years and wish to sell.

Glassware is also included within ‘Potter’s Kiln (UK)’, mainly by the artists from Stoke.