Stock goes under the hammer for collapsed pottery firm

Liquidators of a historic pottery manufacturer Royal Stafford have appointed John Pye, to auction off its stock and assets.

The china, tableware and pottery manufacturer collapsed after 180 years of operations. It faced declining orders and rising energy costs and appointed insolvency practitioners Moore Recovery on February 25, resulting in the loss of more than 70 jobs.

Royal Stafford is one of the oldest pottery factories in Burslem, based in the Royal Overhouse Manufactory.

John Pye Auctions has now been appointed to manage the sale, which includes 350,000 pieces of tableware, as well as plant and machinery.

Gary Harper, machinery & business asset valuer at John Pye said: “For any business that has decided to liquidate its assets it is a very difficult time, particularly for one with such a long heritage.

We wish all the very best to everyone negatively affected and hope to be able to realise positive returns where we can from our extensive customer base. It is our role now to realise all we can for the creditors of the company. We’ll do this through a mix of private treaty tender and auction sales over the next couple of months.

“Given the legacy of the business and its history within the Potteries, we have already received interest and are in discussions on different options. We’re expecting the assets to generate significant interest among other pottery businesses, dealers, collectors and interiors enthusiasts.”