....now available on these shores!
"We have over half a decade of experience in the design, sale and manufacture of some of the world's most sought after tableware ranges......so sit back, and choose from our exquisite ranges. We now even offer a Bridal Registry service!
...So where did it all start?
We asked Owner and founder of British Living, Ken Cookson about his love affair with the Ceramics Industry.
“I became interested in Pottery from the age of 12, helping out and learning how things were made at a small Studio Pottery in England owned by a family friend. I couldn’t wait for the weekends to come so I could get my hands on the clay.
As soon as I left school at the age of 15, my Father wanted me to follow in his footsteps and become a Builder, but I knew it was not for me and my calling was not in bricks, but another type of clay! I enrolled in evening classes at the Staffordshire College for Pottery Manufacture in Stoke-on-Trent. I had to cycle and take 2 buses there and back twice a week through the wind and rain for 4 years, but I have never once regretted the decision.
My first real job was that of Junior Clay Manager which really meant watching and learning how to produce 'pots' from the most skilful potters in the land. I even worked with the fireman of a Bottle Oven which meant 7 full days stocking the fire holes with coal and sitting through the night to ensure the kiln reached the required temperature. Today's kilns are mechanised gas fired versions and take a fraction of the time compared to the original bottle ovens, but the principle are still the same.
I loved the smell of drying clay and the camaraderie between the teams of people... in some cases whole families had worked for one pottery all of their lives. At the height of the industry, Stoke-on-Trent employed over 45,000 skilled ‘Potters’.
Things have changed but my love for the industry hasn't.
I progressed from working in various departments to the position of Works Director in charge of over 600 people. I have made special and individual items for many prestigious clients, including: Queen Elizabeth II, Price Charles & Lady Diana, President Ford, and even hosted The Antiques Roadshow. I have also made ranges for Harrods, Polo Ralph Lauren, Williams Sonoma, Stonewall Kitchen, Bergdorf Goodman, Liberty, the Conran family & Neiman Marcus.
My career has spanned such companies as Wedgwood, Portmeirion, Burleigh, Churchill China, and I am hoping to use this experience here in this wonderful part of the world, I now call home.
I am hoping to bring my years of experience, and more importantly beautiful hand made China to the Maritimes, and who knows we may even add a Nova Scotian twist, after all my Grand Daughter, Hannah is at NSCAD University in Halifax; you never know, it may just come full circle!".
...watch this space
