The History of Burleigh Pottery England

Established in 1851, Burgess & Leigh was until acquisition in 2010 still a family owned busines. When one considers today's ever changing dinnerware market and mass production on a global scale this truly is testament to the skills of Burleigh Craftsmen and Women who have produced nothing short of pottery excellence which continued the success of this brand for more than 150 years. The name Burleigh Ware is renowned the World over and is associated with fine craftsmanship and a traditional manufacturing process of the highest standard. The Staffordshire town of Burslem has long been associated with Burleighware.

In 1999, following adverse trading conditions for Burgess & Leigh, the partnership of Rosemary and William Dorling purchased the business and so a new era of family ownership began at the Middleport Pottery. The Dorling family proudly continued the Burleigh tradition of producing fine quality, pure English earthenware products using traditional process methods until 2010, when Burleigh was aquired by Denby UK, the parent company of Denby Pottery, the world renowned stoneware pottery and ceramics manufacturer.

Burleighware is still manufactured at our Middleport pottery in the heart of Stoke-On-Trent and the company continues to preserve the same techniques and craftsmanship that have produced fine earthenware since 1862.  Burleigh Pottery has a rich heritage of design and craftsmanship, dating back to 1889. Generation after generation has produced works of ceramic art from the Victorian Factory - Middleport Pottery in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Burleigh products are still hand made using the timeless skills of Stoke-on-Trent, such as the decorating method of underglaze transfer printing from engravings. This was once a common process in the English pottery industry, but is now extremely rare.

Patterns include Calico, Asiatic Pheasants, Arden, Bluebird, Willow, Burgess Chintz, Felicity, and many more. Although blue and white is their speciality Burleigh also print in many other colours following contemporary trends and an echo of the rich history of transfer printing, which goes back to the 18th century. The latest colours are red and black.

Burleigh products are ideal to buy as gifts, being highly decorative and beautifully crafted. With their rich history, unique decorating process, iconic patterns and bespoke shapes it's no wonder Burleigh is loved and collected worldwide