If you regularly visit charity shops or browse homeware on Vinted – or simply have a vivid memory of your Gran, or parent’s cupboards – you’ll likely be familiar with Hornsea Pottery. And if you’ve ever wondered if the famous brand is, in fact, associated with Hornsea, Yorkshire, here’s your answer: YES.
Named after its birthplace in East Yorkshire, the business was founded in 1949 – when it found fast success for its stunning tableware, which, to this day can be found in circulation and high demand among collectors.
Despite no prior experience in pottery making, the business had humble beginnings in the founder’s kitchen – beginnings which saw brothers Colin and Desmond Rawson begin creating Plaster of Paris souvenirs for tourists of the seaside town to enjoy, later developing to working with clay in a small kiln.
It’s hard to envision what life must have been like for the duo shortly after, with the business fast expanding in just one year – eventually growing into the world’s largest pottery studio. One that’s had a prominent place in most kitchens for over 75 years now.
Even if you haven’t heard the name before, you’ve likely seen the iconic Heirloom design – their most loved range that was originally released in the late 1960s and is one of the most common ranges found in charity shops and second-hand websites today.
The business ran for 51 years before sadly entering receivership in the year 2000, and while the factory is no more, Hornsea Pottery’s legacy in the town lives on – with not only a museum dedicated to its creations and history in the area, but also several shops stocking Hornsea products, too, including a local gift and antiques shop and a bar-come-shop at the original site of the factory, Hopfrog. The latter of which, is, in fact, an official licensing partner stocking new products inspired by Hornsea’s iconic designs.
The business suffered at the hands of cheaper tableware entering the market, alongside Japanese exports becoming increasingly popular, particularly with the US market.
At the museum, fans can expect to uncover over 2,000 pieces donated by Desmond Rawson’s nephew, including photographs, pottery works, and much more – an interesting insight into the story behind the local legend.
For those wanting to find Hornsea Pottery in real life, the museum can be found at Burns Farm, 11-17 Newbegin, Hornsea HU18 1AB, and Hopfrog can be found at Hornsea Freeport – which lies on the site of the former factory.
[Featured image: Hornsea Pottery Design]
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