The History of Denby Pottery

Denby's history begins in 1806, when a seam of clay was found at Denby during the construction of a road to link the industrial towns of Derbyshire. William Bourne, a local entrepreneur, examined the clay and recognized its exceptional qualities.

Production of salt-glazed pottery was started at Denby in 1809 and William gave the onerous task of running the business to his youngest son, Joseph. Known as Joseph Bourne the pottery prospered and soon built up an international reputation for its quality bottles and jars. These bottles held 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 vapor combined with the surface of the pot to produce a shiny brown surface coating.

Times were changing and 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 trademark.

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 1930's Electric Blue (shiny blue) and Orient ware (matt 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.

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 such best sellers as Greenwheat (1956), Echo and Ode (1960's), Studio (1961) and Arabesque (Samarkand in the USA) — 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. Denby could withstand oven temperatures and Romany (1970), Gypsy (1971), Troubadour (1971) and Cotswold (1973) all graced the 1970's table with flair.

By the 1980's casual dining became more popular and collections 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 their contemporary ranges such as Jet, Azure and Fire which reflect today's informal style. Pure Green was launched in the summer of 2008 as Denby's official bicentenary pattern to celebrate Denby's 200th Anniversary.

In 2009 Denby began its collaboration with another British icon, Monsoon, to create the Monsoon Home Dinnerware Collection by Denby. Reflecting the trend for dining in the kitchen, in 2012 Denby launched the Kitchen Collection, a range of practical everyday essential items and quirky pieces using some popular patterns. Also in 2012 the Heritage Collection was introduced featuring patterns that are an eclectic mix of old and new with a reinterpretation of designs taken from the Denby archive.

Denby owes much of their 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. If you would like to learn more about the history of Denby Pottery, check out: Denby Pottery 1809-1997 Dynasties and Designers by Irene and Gordon Hopwood. For information about caring for your Denby, visit the Use & Care page.