At the Vintage Window shop in Scarborough we are always on the lookout for Hornsea pottery to buy and always have a varied range of pieces to sell. We love Hornsea pottery.
Origins
Hornsea Pottery was founded by two men: Colin Rawson and Desmond Townsend. Rawson had previously worked for a local pottery company, and Townsend had experience in retail management. The two men combined their skills and resources to create Hornsea Pottery, with the aim of producing high-quality pottery items that were affordable for the average person.
The company started out small, with just a handful of employees working in a small workshop in the town of Hornsea. However, it quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality pottery items that were both stylish and affordable. Within just a few years, the company had grown significantly, and it had begun to export its products to other countries.
Hornsea Pottery Through The Years
The first 10 years of Hornsea Pottery were a period of rapid growth and development for the company. During this time, the company produced a wide range of pottery items, including tableware, vases, ornaments, and more. Here are some of the key events from the company’s first decade:
1950s
In the early 1950s, Hornsea Pottery began to expand its range of products. The company introduced a new range of tableware, which included plates, bowls, and cups. The tableware was made from a type of earthenware that was both durable and affordable, making it popular with customers.
In 1957, Hornsea Pottery opened a new factory in the nearby town of Bridlington. The new factory was much larger than the original workshop in Hornsea, and it allowed the company to produce even more pottery items.
1960s
The 1960s were a period of significant growth for Hornsea Pottery. The company continued to expand its range of products, and it introduced a new line of decorative items, including vases, figurines, and other ornaments.
In 1966, Hornsea Pottery released its first commemorative mug to celebrate the World Cup, which was being held in England that year. The mug was a huge success, and it helped to establish the company as a major player in the world of pottery.
In 1967, Hornsea Pottery released a new range of decorative items called “Heirloom”. The Heirloom range was made from a type of porcelain that was both delicate and durable, and it featured intricate designs that were inspired by traditional English pottery.
1970s
The 1970s were a time of change for Hornsea Pottery. The company continued to produce high-quality pottery items, but it also began to experiment with new materials and techniques. In 1972, the company released a range of stoneware tableware, which was much heavier and more durable than the earthenware that it had previously used.
Hornsea Pottery has a long and proud history, and its first 10 years were a period of rapid growth and development for the company. During this time, the company established itself as a major player in the world of pottery, and it produced a wide range of high-quality pottery items that were both stylish and affordable. Today, Hornsea Pottery is still producing high-quality pottery items, and it continues to be one of the most respected pottery companies in the world.
John Clappison
John Clappison is a British ceramic designer who is best known for his work with Hornsea Pottery in the 1960s and 1970s. During his time at Hornsea Pottery, Clappison created some of the company’s most iconic designs, and he helped to establish the company as a major player in the world of pottery.
Early Life and Career
John Clappison was born in 1937 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He grew up in a working-class family, and he showed an early talent for art and design. After leaving school, he attended the Doncaster School of Art, where he studied ceramics.
After completing his studies, Clappison worked for several different pottery companies, including Gray’s Pottery and A. J. Wilkinson Ltd. He gained a reputation as a talented designer, and his work was highly sought after in the world of ceramics.
Involvement with Hornsea Pottery
In 1962, John Clappison was approached by Colin Rawson, one of the founders of Hornsea Pottery. Rawson was impressed by Clappison’s work, and he offered him a job as a designer at the company.
Clappison accepted the offer, and he moved to Hornsea to begin working at the company’s design studio. During his time at Hornsea Pottery, Clappison created some of the company’s most iconic designs, including the Saffron, Heirloom, and Bronte ranges.
Hornsea Ranges
The Saffron Range
The Saffron range was one of the first ranges that Clappison designed for Hornsea Pottery. The range was inspired by the colours and patterns of the 1960s, and it was characterised by its bold, bright designs.
The Saffron range was a huge success, and it helped to establish Hornsea Pottery as a major player in the world of pottery. The range included a wide range of items, including plates, cups, bowls, and jugs, and it was popular with customers all over the world.
The Heirloom Range
The Heirloom range was another iconic range that Clappison designed for Hornsea Pottery. The range was made from a type of porcelain that was both delicate and durable, and it featured intricate designs that were inspired by traditional English pottery
The Heirloom range was a departure from the bold, bright designs of the Saffron range, and it showcased Clappison’s versatility as a designer. The range included a wide range of items, including plates, cups, bowls, and vases, and it was popular with customers all over the world.
The Bronte Range
The Bronte range was a range of tableware that was inspired by the novels of the Bronte sisters. The range was characterised by its dark, moody designs, and it was a departure from the bright, bold designs of the Saffron range.
The Bronte range was a huge success, and it helped to establish Clappison as one of the most talented designers in the world of pottery. The range included a wide range of items, including plates, cups, bowls, and jugs, and it was popular with customers all over the world.
Rare Pieces
In addition to these popular styles, Hornsea Pottery also produced a number of more rare and unusual pieces over the years. Some of these pieces include:
The Hornsea Pottery Safari Park Set, which was a set of animal-themed tableware that was designed in the 1960s. The set included a range of different items, including plates, cups, bowls, and jugs, all featuring designs of various animals, such as lions, tigers, and elephants.
The Hornsea Pottery Fauna range, which was a range of animal-themed tableware that was designed in the 1970s. The range included a wide range of different items, including plates, cups, bowls, and jugs, all featuring designs of various animals, such as birds, fish, and butterflies.
The Hornsea Pottery Windmill range, which was a range of tableware that was designed in the 1960s. The range featured designs of windmills and other traditional Dutch scenes, and it was hugely popular with customers
Legacy
John Clappison’s designs for Hornsea Pottery have had a lasting impact on the world of ceramics. His work was innovative, imaginative, and highly original, and it helped to establish Hornsea Pottery as a major player in the world of pottery.
Clappison’s designs are still highly sought after by collectors today, and they continue to inspire new generations of ceramic designers. His legacy at Hornsea Pottery
Collecting Hornsea Pottery
There are a number of reasons why people collect Hornsea Pottery. Here are a few:
Design and Aesthetics: One of the main reasons people collect Hornsea Pottery is because of its unique and appealing designs. The pottery’s bold colours and patterns, as well as its intricate and delicate designs, make it a sought-after item for collectors who appreciate fine art and ceramics.
Nostalgia: Hornsea Pottery is often associated with a specific time period in British history, particularly the 1960s and 1970s. Collecting Hornsea Pottery can evoke feelings of nostalgia and remind people of a time when the world was changing rapidly, both socially and culturally.
Investment: Some collectors view Hornsea Pottery as an investment, as the value of some pieces has increased over time. In particular, rare and unusual pieces are highly sought after by collectors and can command high prices at auction.
Connections to the Past: Collecting Hornsea Pottery can also provide a connection to the past, particularly for those who have fond memories of their parents or grandparents using Hornsea Pottery in their homes. Owning a piece of Hornsea Pottery can help people feel connected to their family’s history and heritage.
Social Connections: Collecting Hornsea Pottery can also be a social activity, as collectors can join clubs and attend events where they can share their passion for the pottery with others. This can be particularly rewarding for people who are interested in learning more about the history and craftsmanship of Hornsea Pottery.
People collect Hornsea Pottery for a variety of reasons, including the design and aesthetics, nostalgia, investment potential, connections to the past, and social connections with other collectors. Whatever the reason, collecting Hornsea Pottery can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for those who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of this iconic British pottery.
Hornsea Pottery ceased production in 2000, after over 50 years in operation. The factory had struggled financially during the 1990s, due to increased competition from cheaper foreign imports and a changing market. In 1999, the company went into receivership and the factory closed the following year. The closure was a significant loss for the local community, as the pottery had been a major employer in the area for many years. Today, Hornsea Pottery is still highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts around the world, and its legacy lives on through the many beautiful and unique pieces that are still in circulation. Some of which can be found in our little shop in Scarborough the Vintage Window
