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In 1806, when a seam of clay was found at Denby in
Derbyshire, England during the construction of a road, William Bourne,
a local entrepreneur, examined the clay and recognised its exceptional
qualities.
Production of salt-glazed pottery began at Denby in
1809, and William gave the task of running the business to his youngest
son, Joseph.
Known as 'Joseph Bourne', the pottery prospered and
soon built an international reputation for its quality bottles and
jars, which could hold anything from ink, polish and medicines to
preserves and even ginger beer.
Salt glazing was a popular method of decorating stoneware
at this time. Common salt was thrown onto the kiln fires when the
embers were at their hottest. The salt vapour combined with the
surface of the pot to produce a shiny brown surface coating.
By the late 1800's glass bottles became less expensive
and replaced ceramic containers. Denby Pottery diversified by extending
its kitchenware range and developed richly coloured glazes which
were to become Denby's trade mark.
By the 1920's Denby's functional kitchenware (from
pie dishes, jelly moulds and colanders to 'hot water bottles') could
be found in many homes along with decorative vases, bowls and tobacco
jars which were all stamped 'Danesby Ware'. This was the generic
name given by Denby Pottery to all its decorative and giftware ranges.
In the 1920's and 1930's 'Electric Blue' (shiny blue)
and 'Orient ware' (matt blue/brown) became classic giftware ranges
and today are popular with collectors. Kitchenware too became more
colourful.
Radical steps to change Denby's product range were
taken in the 1950's when the pottery became predominantly a producer
of tableware (ranges now included cups, saucers and plates). Denby
continued to employ the best designers to ensure the transition
was successful and this expertise produced best selling patterns
such as Greenwheat (1956), Echo and Ode (1950's), Studio (1961)
and Arabesque (1964).
The 1970's brought a revolution in 'oven-to-tableware'
- Denby's striking designs and practicality alleviated the need
for separate cooking dishes and more decorative plates for serving,
as Denby could withstand oven temperatures.
By the 1980's 'casual dining' became more popular
and ranges such as Imperial Blue and Regency
Green were able to fit into both formal entertaining and family
gatherings.
Denby continues to build on its proud heritage with
contemporary ranges such as Energy, Linen and Azure which reflect
today's informal style.
The company owes much of its present success to the
skills of earlier generations of craftsmen. Most importantly, Denby
has not lost sight of the reasons for its popularity as generations
have grown to expect leading designs combined with a tradition of
quality and durability.
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