Ceramic Enquiries
Our website has information about potters and factories represented in our collections, as well as general information about the history of the pottery industry in north Staffordshire
There are many specialist collectors clubs and websites relating to individual pottery factories and types of ceramic. You may find the information that you want on their websites. Check the Links page for contact details.
There are also a number of museums that specialise in particular factories and their products. Some have comprehensive factory records. See the Links page for details.
We recommend that enquiries relating to manufacturers still in production are, in the first instance, directed to them. You will find contact details by checking the Links page.
If you are looking for replacement pieces, check the Links page for useful websites.
Finally, before sending us an enquiry you may wish to look at some of our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family History:
For information about researching your family history in Stoke-on-Trent, contact Stoke-on-Trent City Archives Service on 01782 238420 or stoke.archives@stoke.gov.uk or http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leisure/archives/home.aspx
I know my ancestor was a potter and lived in Stoke-on-Trent. Can you tell me which factory my ancestor worked for?
While your research may uncover where your ancestors lived and what their job was, discovering where they worked is much more difficult. Very few employment records survive for any of the hundreds of factories that have operated in this area.
Pattern Names
Can you tell me the name of the pattern on my pottery? It only has the factory mark and some numbers written on the base.
If your piece doesn’t have a pattern name on it, it is very possible that your design didn’t have a pattern name. Not every pattern did – mostly they were just given a number. Large firms operating over a long period could produce hundreds of thousands of patterns during their lifetime. These were usually given a reference (pattern) number, which is sometimes written on the back of the piece. Popular designs might be given a pattern name and, if the design was a printed one, the pattern name might be applied to the back of the piece. However the majority of patterns were unnamed.
Replacement and Matching Pieces
I want to replace a broken piece of pottery. Can you help me?
There are many companies offering matching or replacement services which have websites. Others advertise in the small ads in the back of collectibles, antiques or home interiors magazines. Such companies tend to specialise in late 20th century companies and their patterns.
For earlier wares you may find that some of the collectibles websites or those of specialist collectors groups may be able to help.
Valuations
We are not able to give valuations for any purpose, nor are we able to recommend valuers. You should contact a professional auction house or antique dealer in your area for advice.
