Denby Pottery

For almost two hundred years the name Denby has been associated with the production of fine Stoneware pottery and utilitarian wares.

Established in 1809 Denby Pottery was owned by the Bourne family. A name which has been synonymous with the craft and production of Pottery from the 18th century onwards, and who as individuals had made considerable contributions to the industry.

William Bourne was father to thirteen children ,but only four of his sons had survived to carry on the family tradition. William jnr,Edward,John and Joseph.

With names such as "Pinder Bourne & CO",which was eventually to be taken over by "Doulton of Lambeth" and "Church Gresly",later to become TG Green now famous for its production of Cornish ware,and many more such as Langley Mill,Codnor Park and Shipley its plain to see that the influence the Bournes had within the industry played an important role in bringing economic security to many families and local communities.

Through their devout Methodist beliefs the Bournes were responsible for the building of several Methodist churches,and it is believed that a certain level of humanity was afforded to the workers that would of otherwise been neglected.Thats not to say that conditions would of been undoubtedly harsh by today's standards,as records show that an apprentice in 1835 had to produce at least one hundred and twenty dozen jars to earn just three shillings(15 pence) a day!

With the discovery of a very high quality seam of clay that had been exposed by road workers (navies) who were building a road between Alfreton and Derby.William realising the unique quality of the clay seized the opportunity to lease the land from the owner William Dury Lowe. Having already established a pottery in Belper where the production of stoneware bottles and various utility saltglaze brownware was manufactured,it was not long before William realised the economic sense of bringing production closer to the source of this rich clay and so Denby Pottery was founded.

Starting with just a small shed and a kiln William eventually handed control over to his sons John and Joseph who renamed the company J+J Bourne.In 1819 John had passed away leaving Joseph in full control. Joseph developed and expanded the pottery beyond recognition ,building new kilns,and patenting new processes.By 1841 Joseph had again changed the company's name to Joseph Bourne & Son to include his son Joseph Harvey.

The company went on to win medals for the excellence of their products at the Great Exhibition of 1851,The Sydney International Exhibition of 1879 and the Paris Exhibition of 1881.

The Denby Pottery continues to produce fine quality stoneware to this day,having built a solid reputation based on nearly two centuries of experience.Today the company also offers a great day out at their vistor's center.

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Whether your looking for good historical research material or simply want some great photographic references the following books offer an excellent wealth of information on Denby Pottery

For an excellent historical and graphical account "Denby Pottery 1809-1997" by Irene & Gordon Hopwood is by far one of the best reference materials currently available, charting the pottery's history and development with a complete and comprehensive catalogue of the amazing variety of wares produced by Denby from 1809 to 1997.

You can also pick up a copy of "Denby Stoneware's a collectors guide" by Graham and Alva Key who has written a superb book which approaches the subject from a true collectors perspective.

And for those with an interest in the history of the Bourne family,Graham and Alva Key's "Bourne at Denby" ,provides a compact booklet which is packed with interesting and informative content.

Search for more books on the fascinating world of 20th Century "British Art Pottery" and discover the facts about your collection or favorite pottery.

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