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Denby Pottery Ends 217 Years of UK Production as Derbyshire Kilns Go Cold

Administrators closed the Derbyshire factory after rescue bids failed and rising energy and labour costs squeezed the business.

Overview

  • Production at Denby’s Derbyshire works stopped last week when the final kiln batch was fired and designer Richard Eaton signed the last piece produced at the factory.
  • Administrators appointed on March 31 ran a sale process that attracted late interest from retailers including Home Bargains but did not secure a buyer to preserve UK manufacturing.
  • More than 130 jobs have been lost since administrators were called in and remaining Denby subsidiaries in Korea, the United States and China continue to trade outside the administration.
  • A petition started by former Denby marketer Hayley Baddiley has passed 100,000 signatures and is eligible for consideration for a parliamentary debate about energy relief for ceramics firms.
  • Founded in 1809, Denby was known for handcrafted stoneware and ranges such as Imperial Blue; the closure raises immediate concerns about skills loss for local potters and wider policy debate over support for energy‑intensive manufacturers.