Denby Pottery
Denby Pottery is more relevant to today's entertaining than it was when it first opened in 1809! Nowadays, it is all about relaxing with friends, sharing dishes, and good conversation. You want a casual but elegant pattern, and Denby's designs and sophisticated hues help you create just the right atmosphere. Also important for today's entertaining, Denby tableware is versatile and durable, safe for use in the dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer. You will enjoy Denby dinnerware with family and friends for years to come.
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Production of salt-glazed pottery was started by a local entrepreneur in Denby, England in 1809. 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 vapor combined with the surface of the pot to produce a shiny brown surface coating. The pottery was then known as 'Joseph Bourne', and it prospered and soon built up an international reputation for its quality bottles and jars.
In the late 1800's glass bottles became less expensive and replaced ceramic containers. Denby Pottery diversified by extending its kitchenware range and developed richly colored glazes which were to become Denby's trade mark. By the 1920's Denby's functional kitchenware and cookware (from pie dishes, jelly molds 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. |
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During the 1930's 'Electric Blue' (shiny blue) and 'Orient ware' (matte blue/brown) became classic giftware ranges and today are popular with collectors. Kitchenware became more colorful with Cottage Blue, Manor Green and Homestead Brown - all of which remained popular until the early 1980's.
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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. 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. Denby Pottery could withstand oven temperatures and many striking and unusual patterns abounded. 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 this proud heritage with our contemporary dinnerware collections such as Jet and Jet Stripes, Azure, Blue Jetty, China and Caramel which reflect today's informal style. Most importantly, Denby Pottery 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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Some Interesting Facts About Denby
• Clay was discovered at Denby in the early 1800s and pottery has been made on this site since 1809 when the pottery was established by the Bourne family.
• The Bournes continued to own Denby until 1942 and today their name is still very much present at the Visitor Center as the name of the restaurant.
• Denby has over 5000 glazes, all harder than steel.
• Each Denby piece is unique. It passes through 25 pairs of hands before reaching yours, including a test to make it as comfortable as possible to hold.
You can visit Denby's website at http://www.denby.co.uk
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