THE large and very detailed archive of Poole Pottery Limited, held at the Dorset History Centre, paints the picture of a thriving and influential company as it grew from a single ceramics factory on Poole’s East Quay to the household name we know today.

It all started in 1873 when Jesse Carter opened an architectural ceramics factory, called Carter and Co on Poole’s East Quay.

He was a keen businessman, and when he retired in 1901 the business had two factories and an office in London, and work had expanded to include mosaic floor tiling and decorative pottery.

Jesse Carter’s sons, Owen and Charles Carter, continued their father’s business, and in 1921 Poole Pottery was truly born.

Cyril Carter (Jesse Carter’s grandson) and two designers – Harold Stabler and John Adams – set up a company within Carter and Co called Carter, Stabler and Adams (CSA) which specialised in decorative tableware. Artist Truda Adams (later Truda Carter) designed floral patterns, and CSA immediately became known for their art-deco designs and modern shapes. (See images for copies of Truda Carters original designs). CSA continued to find success throughout the 20th century and a succession of sought after contemporary artists each created their own designs. Some of the most notable designers included Robert Jefferson, Tony Morris, James Radley-Young and Lesley Elden.

Despite having been known as Poole Pottery for many years, it was not until 1963 that the company name was officially changed. After a change of hands in 1964, the designers continued to be on the forefront of artistic movement, and the Delphis and Aegean Ware ranges of the 1960s and 1970s were popular for their bright colours and abstract patterns.

In 1992 Poole Pottery Ltd became an independent company, but struggled and by 2003 the company went into administration.

The name was taken over by The Lifestyle Group, who continue to produce Poole Pottery in Staffordshire today.

The archive was acquired over a period of time by Poole Museum and the Dorset History Centre and whilst Poole Museum maintains an extensive collection of Poole Pottery ceramics, the records of the firm were transferred to DHC to ensure optimum preservation. The archive is open for all to view. For contact details please view dorsetforyou.com/dorsethistorycentre Images from the Poole Pottery archive will be on show at the Dorset Art Fair May 31 to June 2, at Kingston Maurward House, along with material as part of DHC’s ‘Archiving the Arts’ initiative.

A large portion of the archive held at the Dorset History Centre comprises of the original patterns and designs of Poole Pottery. Accompanying the designs are tracing paper patterns (known as pounces) which were used to transfer a pattern to a pot. These are extremely delicate. The archive also includes business records, director’s minutes, photographs and catalogues.