Lifestyle lifeline for Poole Pottery

Historic British ceramics firm Poole Pottery was back in business today after a buyer was found to rescue the troubled operation.

The Lifestyle Group, which acquired the firm from administrators, has re-started retail operations and is working on plans to open a new Poole-based design and visitor centre along with a studio.

Poole Pottery collapsed before Christmas, resulting in the loss of 100 jobs and the closure of Poole’s factory and retail outlet.

The company was founded by Jesse Carter in 1873 on Poole’s quayside, where it produced pottery before moving to a factory in 1999. It has a worldwide following through the 2,000-strong Poole Pottery Collectors’ Club.

Hertfordshire-based Lifestyle, which sells a range of tabletop products, also announced the separate acquisition of Royal Stafford Tableware, boasting one of the oldest working potteries in the UK. It has a well-established client base including US retailers Bloomingdales, Crate & Barrel and Fortunoff.

Peter Bello, managing director of Lifestyle Group, said his company had picked up two “quintessential British brand names”.

Alan White, who has been with Poole Pottery for 42 years and is the operation’s head of design, will run the planned new studio.