The globally renowned British brand, Burleigh Pottery, has been saved by a group of investors led by former Burberry CEO, Christopher Bailey.
Based at the heart of England’s pottery manufacturing heartlands in Stoke on Trent, Burleigh announced that production at its Middleport Pottery base would continue uninterrupted. The news has brought cheer to those who love to champion British made goods, following the sad demise of Denby Pottery that was announced just a few days ago
“I have always loved Burleigh pottery,” Bailey told BBC News. “This company has an extraordinary history, and what makes it so special today is the skill, care and creative spirit that continue to define the business. “I am deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that makes Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house.
Founded in 1851, Burleigh – also known as Burgess and Leigh – is one of the UK’s best-loved ceramics brands. It is the last pottery in the world to use the traditional and timeless skill of underglaze tissue printing, an English process dating back over 200 years. The business has operated from the Middleport site alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal since 1889. In 2011, the then Prince of Wales – now King Charles III, helped fund emergency repair works via a £9million donation from his charity, HRH The Princes Regeneration Trust.
The parent company of Burleigh, Denby Pottery, was founded over 200 years ago (1809) in Derbyshire, England. The company was forced to call in administrators at the end of March 2026, due to the intolerable pressure of energy and labour costs, after ceramics businesses were exempted from Government support. More than 130 employees were made redundant.
The last piece of Denby Pottery came off the production line on Sunday 7 June to a round of applause from the dedicated workforce. It was signed by Richard Eaton, who designed the collection over 35 years ago.
