Where does Moorcroft Pottery originate from?

In today's money conscious climate it may come as a surprise to know there is still a thriving area in the collectibles market – Moorcoft Pottery.  Why in days when every penny is carefully accounted for are some still willing to put funds aside to acquire select pieces?  Perhaps a walk through the history of this unique pottery will help shed some light on this phenomenon.

The Moorcoft website refers to itself as being all about "stories and dreams".  Having survived independently for over a hundred years Moorcoft Pottery is all about the pursuit of excellence and quality. The original studio was founded in 1897 and designs were created by William Moorcroft – each piece carried his own personal mark. William started out with a large ceramic company but his pursuit of individuality led to his split from them and he was then supported by funds from Liberty's of London. His belief in his own skills was repaid when William became Her Majesty's Potter in 1928.  William's son Walter took over the business on the death of his father and the company remained largely in family hands until 1984. The factory is still located in Sandbach Road where William first relocated.

What is remarkable is that over the course of nearly 100 years there have only been four Moorcoft Pottery main designers, the current designer heads the Moorcoft Design Studio overseeing a team of dedicated artists, craftsmen and craftswomen. Part of the allure and uniqueness of Moorcoft Pottery is its recognizable style particularly the stunning use of colour which has become a hallmark leading to its unique popularity and regard.

The international profile of Moorcroft Pottery has grown considerably in recent years and Christies now hold a dedicated annual Moorcroft sale.  Many museums, including our own Victoria & Albert Museum exhibit pieces. Moorcoft Pottery sales today are buoyant and a fine export for Britain.

Today there is a Moorcroft Pottery Heritage Visitor Centre where examples can be seen and artists can be seen at work and be spoken to. There is a factory tour where you may even see the chief designer and where you can see methods in use that date back to the 17th Century. In fact the production method created by William Moorcroft in 1897 is almost unchanged today.

Names of designs over the years have become famous and extremely collectible.  Pieces are categorized into Hollow Ware – bowls, vases etc.  Flat Ware – plates, plaques etc.  New collections are eagerly anticipated and pieces snapped up quickly.

The rise in online shopping has made obtaining pieces a little easier as collectors can view at their leisure and convenience and browse many different outlets to secure attractive pieces and potential, long term, bargains.  However a word of caution, repaired Moorcroft Pottery does not hold its value.  When making on line purchases exercise some caution – what are the seller's credentials?  Ideally they will have a physical premises as well as an on line store.  Are they an authorized stockist?  Can you speak to them – are they knowledgeable in their subject area?

Moorcroft Pottery is unique, beautiful and eminently collectible. If you already have a collection or are planning to start one, then I am sure you will be rewarded with years of pleasure and enjoyment from this unique experience, and perhaps that is why people are still collecting today and will continue to do so in the future.