Anne Rodgers, Alsager Pottery

ANNE RODGERS has been making pottery in Alsager, near Stoke-on-Trent, for more than 30 years. Once the home of world famous potteries, very few remain but Anne Rodgers continues to keep the traditional skills of handmade pottery alive.

She explains her philosophy. ‘I like to think I am making friendly, useful, honest pots that people can use every day. It’s very important to me when I sit at my wheel, making shapes with my hands out of a piece of the earth. Two hundred years ago, everything would have been handmade, with all the quirkiness and idiosyncrasies and the soul that handmade things have.’

She specialises in slipware, a traditional decorative effect using coloured "slip" (liquid clay) to decorate her pots which are all hand thrown in local red earthenware clay.

Slip decorated pottery was made in English country potteries from the early 17th to the mid-19th century, when styles changed as a result of the industrial revolution. Staffordshire was one of the main centres of slipware manufacture. Old Staffordshire slipware has its own distinctive character and it is the inspiration behind Alsager Pottery.

As well as everyday items, such as mugs, jugs, bowls and plates, Alsager Pottery makes more expensive commemorative ware for special events such as weddings and christenings. Anne says, ‘I like to think of them as heirlooms or modern antiques.’

Commemorative plates may be ordered from Tolquhon. Contact us for details.