The Pottery Museum
The Beginning
Pottery has been made in the immediate Bovey Tracey area for thousands of years. Still, the opening of coal pits in the mid-1700s enabled the commercial exploitation of the abundant clay deposits in this region.
The range of products manufactured was diverse, and the local industry served as a microcosm of national trends in pottery making, with its products sold throughout the UK and overseas.
Craft
One of the most intriguing aspects of this site’s history is the visit of the renowned Josiah Wedgwood himself in 1775. His presence stirred much trepidation among the then-owners, who were known to have concealed any Wedgwood replicas being made.
The tension was palpable as they hid their work, fearing the consequences of their imitation. Despite the pottery’s design not being entirely original or unique compared to Wedgwood’s, the blue & white patterning, so iconic, was a popular item being produced at the time.
Bovey Legacy
Another great fact is that Wemyss Ware was once produced in Bovey Tracey, contrary to the popular belief that this favoured range of pottery (particularly animal ornaments) was only ever produced in Scotland. The reason for this is that while Wemyss Ware originated in Fife, the rights to it were purchased by the Bovey Pottery Company.
The head Wemyss Ware decorator, Joe Nekola, moved to Bovey Tracey and continued using the unique painting techniques that were so readily identified and particularly popular in the late 20th Century. The rights for production have since moved back to Scottish territories, but even so, this brief home to the popular collectors’ pottery marks its place in history.
Pottery Kilns
A lasting legacy on the site is the remaining array of buildings, which house the House of Marbles’ shop, Glassworks, Old Pottery Restaurant, Games Garden, and the courtyard dining area. This area is dominated by three bottle kilns – a distinct feature and an ever-present reminder of the past.
Today, there are only two sites in the UK where these kilns remain (also referred to as muffle kilns), the other being at Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent. As they are of such historical interest and considered to be heritage assets, they are protected and listed as Statutory Ancient Monuments by English Heritage.
Final Firing
Although House of Marbles briefly revisited pottery production in the 1990s, they ultimately made a firm decision to concentrate exclusively on their core products-toys and games.
The company’s last pottery production run is on display in one of the kilns, visible from the outside dining area of the Old Pottery Restaurant, a charming spot nestled in the heart of the House of Marbles complex. Some may find it interesting to know that this includes some ‘Coronation Street‘ pottery memorabilia.
Heritage
There are many other fascinating artefacts and exhibits in the Pottery Museum, including a detailed model of the original site. This model features the buildings that still exist today, marked for reference, and offers a unique perspective on the site’s history. It is also home to the Bovey Pottery Company’s wooden fire engine.
Despite its age and the considerable use it must have seen over the years, the fire engine remains in surprisingly pristine condition. However, it will never be used for its intended purpose again due to its historical significance and the museum’s preservation efforts.
See the Collection
Prepare to be amazed by the diverse range of articles on display, from naval wares to personalised children’s plates and cups, wartime crockery, statues, and even the odd toilet.
Step into the past as you view the historical artefacts and pottery-making items, each a tangible link to our ancestors. Portraits of past staff and owners, along with models of early pottery developments, paint a vivid picture of this vital industry.
Recognised Venue
We have been recognised by a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Awards in consecutive years from 2014 - 2019, and the new Traveller’s Choice Award in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023!
