F is for…

Figgjo is a Norwegian pottery company still producing today.

Our favourites are the folk art and landscape-inspired designs of the 1950s & 60s - ranges such as Lotte, Daisy, Sicilia and Market.

Tor Viking pattern egg cup and plate border detail

They incorporated mythical creatures, whimsical figures and stylised flowers.

Sicilia pattern plates

The motifs were used to decorate tableware, kitchen equipment and decorative objects such as bowls and wall plaques.

Pair of pottery sauce/milk pans

Detail of wall plaque designed by Rolf Frøyland

Daisy pattern tray (left) Berry and leaf patterned butter dish (right)

Various mergers have taken place under the Figgjo umbrella, significant amongst these was with Stavangerflint in 1968.

Stavangerflint June coffee set

For more of a detailed history visit the Figgjo AS website.

Lots of our Flickr friends have lovely examples of this distinctive pottery. Have a look at them here.

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E is for…

We’re big fans of enamel homewares. The process involves paint actually being baked onto metal, glass or ceramics. Used in all manner of household items, it’s practical, hard wearing and incorporates some fantastic colours and patterns. Also, a bit of wear and tear is no bad thing - a few small chips and dents create a lovely, homely, lived-in patina - not always the case with other materials such as pottery and glass.

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D is for…

The name Denby is synonymous with good quality, hard-wearing British tableware.

Potters Wheel (left) Ode (right)

It has to be admitted that there are a few fairly drab ranges, but in amongst the Pottery’s production there have been some outstanding designs.

Metal-handled tea pot in the Chevron pattern. Designed by Gill Pemberton in 1961

We love the work of Gill Pemberton, also Glyn Colledge, David Yorath and Thelma Hague. The output during the twenty year period spanning the mid 50s to the mid 70s was particularly strong.

Studio bowl by Glyn Colledge

At their best, the designs were original and exciting in terms of both decoration and shape.

Fruit bowl in the Arabesque pattern. Another hugely successful Gill Pemberton design

The hard to find Trees pattern

Other ranges to look out for are Rondo, Stone and Teak, Gypsy, Westbury, Bokhara and Kismet.

To find out more about Denby Pottery this book is highly recommended- full of information and full colour illustrations.

Denby Pottery 1809-1997: Dynasties and Designers (Amazon UK)

Denby Pottery, 1809-1997: Dynasties and Designers (Amazon US

Visit this page for a brief history of Denby Pottery

Denby Pottery items available at H is for Home

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C is for…

What makes that perfect coffee break?

Well designed machines to make it in…

Striking pots to serve it in…

Beautiful cups to drink it from…

And not forgetting… cosies to keep it warm!

Coffee time @ H is for Home

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