The History of Poole Pottery

Poole Pottery has played an important role in the art and design movements of the past two centuries, including original contributions to periods and designs that include late Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modernism.

History

In 1873 the Ironmonger Jesse Carter bought a neglected pottery in the English town of Poole. By the 1880s, Carter Company was renowned for its tiling products, mosaic flooring and advertising panels, which supplied the burgeoning interior design business.

Features

In 1921, Carter Stabler and Adams became a subsidiary of Carter Company and was charged with creating ornamental pottery, which included decorative tiles, stoneware, urns, vases, bowls and dishes in a variety of colors and finishes.

Identification

The "ship plates" of the 1930s are the most sought-after pieces of the period. Legend has it that the artists creating the plates could look across the harbor and copy the ships lying at anchor.

Types

The Delphis range was developed in the late 1950s, and with its vibrant colors and individual styling it found immediate success during the 1960s. The Aegean range was introduced in 1970 to complement the Delphis.

Effects

In 1964 Carter Stabler and Adams merged with the Pilkington Group, changing its name to Poole Pottery Limited. In 1992 Poole Pottery was bought by its own management and returned to independent status.

Considerations

Poole Pottery declared bankruptcy in 2006 and briefly ceased operations. In 2007 the company was bought by Lifestyle Holdings, a parent group of three decorative homeware companies that now includes Poole Pottery.

References

• Poole Pottery
• Worldcollectors.net: Poole Pottery

Resources

• The Poole Room: History