Denby ends production after 217 years
Pottery firm Denby has ended production after 217 years in business.
Founded in 1809, Denby confirmed in a Facebook post that its last pieces had been sent to the kiln at its Derbyshire site on Thursday, June 4.
In the post, the business thanked staff, former employees and customers for their support.
Sharing, "Yesterday, on the same site where our pottery began 217 years ago, the final pieces of Denby made their way to the kiln for firing.
"Centuries of making pottery at Denby may be coming to a close, but the love and soul poured into each piece will live on.
"In the memories of our skilled craftspeople, in the feel-good moments our loyal collectors enjoy with their Denby, both here and around the world, and in the hearts of the whole community who have stood together and tried their hardest to #SaveDenby in our hour of need.
"Of course, there will definitely be Denby in many peoples’ homes for years to come, it was always made to last after all…"
In March, Denby announced it had appointed administrators as a precautionary measure, as it hoped to secure a strategic investment partner.
However, it later shared that it had not found the investors it was looking for and made the "necessary" decision to move forward with administrators.
Denby's announcement created extensive public support from across the UK and beyond, with many wanting to find ways to help.
This led to Denby launching an important campaign #SaveDenby to mobilise the support and come up with ways people could help.
But, the brand later shared that they were unable to find an investor and had appointed FRP Advisory as administrators, effective from March 31.
The Facebook post from the pottery brand went on to say, "Denby would not have been able to continue for this long without generations of dedicated, skilled people, from the kilns to customers’ homes and all the pairs of hands in between, thank you to every member of staff, past and present, for playing your part in taking care of this piece of history.
"The future is always uncertain and whilst it’s hard to comprehend what things may look like in the next weeks and months, we are so hugely proud of everything this Derbyshire pottery has achieved, it's not and has never just been about the pots."
Will you miss Denby? Let us know in the comments.
