Ashtead potters
Encyclopedia
The Ashtead Pottery had a short life, being in business for just 12 years from 1923 until 1935. The factory was in the village of Ashtead, Surrey, England. It was set up with the aim of providing employment for disabled ex-servicemen, mainly from World War I
of 1914-18.
The main driving force behind the creation of the company was Sir Lawrence Weaver, a highly influential man of the time. He received much assistance from Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis
(of Portmeirion
fame) and Stafford Cripps
, a prominent politician of the time.
From a very humble beginning with just four workers the company quickly flourished and at its busiest it gave work to up to forty men. Very few of the workers originated from Ashtead, most being recruited from Labour Exchanges throughout the south of England. Hardly any had skills relevant to the pottery industry, although some had artistic or modelling experience. Most found lodgings locally, but later on Purcell Close was built to provide some sheltered housing
for those workers with families.
The company produced a vast array of wares, ranging from figures and commemoratives designed by leading artists of the day, including Phoebe Stabler (Poole Pottery
and Royal Doulton) and Percy Metcalfe
, through to everyday crockery, much of it in bold, bright Art Deco
designs. The Ashtead Potters exhibited at the Wembley
"British Empire Exhibition
s" of 1924 and 1925, having stands where the potters showed off their skills and sold wares, particularly souvenirs bearing the Wembley Lion designed by Herrick.
Increased competition, due to the Great Depression, and the death of Sir Lawrence led to eventual closure of the pottery works in January 1935. The Victoria Works building remained until 1985 when it was demolished to be redeveloped for a sheltered housing project for the elderly. A plaque in the entrance to the new building; Lime Tree Court, commemorates Ashtead Potters Limited.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
of 1914-18.
The main driving force behind the creation of the company was Sir Lawrence Weaver, a highly influential man of the time. He received much assistance from Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis
Clough Williams-Ellis
Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, CBE, MC was an English-born Welsh architect known chiefly as creator of the Italianate village of Portmeirion in North Wales.-Origins, education and early career:...
(of Portmeirion
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a popular tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village and is now owned by a charitable trust....
fame) and Stafford Cripps
Stafford Cripps
Sir Richard Stafford Cripps was a British Labour politician of the first half of the 20th century. During World War II he served in a number of positions in the wartime coalition, including Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Minister of Aircraft Production...
, a prominent politician of the time.
From a very humble beginning with just four workers the company quickly flourished and at its busiest it gave work to up to forty men. Very few of the workers originated from Ashtead, most being recruited from Labour Exchanges throughout the south of England. Hardly any had skills relevant to the pottery industry, although some had artistic or modelling experience. Most found lodgings locally, but later on Purcell Close was built to provide some sheltered housing
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing is a British English term covering a wide range of rented housing for older and/or disabled or other vulnerable people. Most commonly it refers to grouped housing such as a block or "scheme" of flats or bungalows with a scheme manager or "officer"; traditionally the manager has...
for those workers with families.
The company produced a vast array of wares, ranging from figures and commemoratives designed by leading artists of the day, including Phoebe Stabler (Poole Pottery
Poole Pottery
Poole Pottery is a pottery manufacturer, originally based in Poole, Dorset, England. The company was founded in 1873 on Poole quayside, where it continued to produce pottery by hand before moving its factory operations away from the quay in 1999. Production continued at the new site in Sopers Lane...
and Royal Doulton) and Percy Metcalfe
Percy Metcalfe
Percy Metcalfe, CVO, RDI , was an English artist sculptor and designer.He studied art in Leeds, and in 1914 attended the Royal College of Art London....
, through to everyday crockery, much of it in bold, bright Art Deco
Art Deco
Art deco , or deco, is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and...
designs. The Ashtead Potters exhibited at the Wembley
Wembley
Wembley is an area of northwest London, England, and part of the London Borough of Brent. It is home to the famous Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena...
"British Empire Exhibition
British Empire Exhibition
The British Empire Exhibition was a colonial exhibition held at Wembley, Middlesex in 1924 and 1925.-History:It was opened by King George V on St George's Day, 23 April 1924. The British Empire contained 58 countries at that time, and only Gambia and Gibraltar did not take part...
s" of 1924 and 1925, having stands where the potters showed off their skills and sold wares, particularly souvenirs bearing the Wembley Lion designed by Herrick.
Increased competition, due to the Great Depression, and the death of Sir Lawrence led to eventual closure of the pottery works in January 1935. The Victoria Works building remained until 1985 when it was demolished to be redeveloped for a sheltered housing project for the elderly. A plaque in the entrance to the new building; Lime Tree Court, commemorates Ashtead Potters Limited.