Founded in 1949 by brothers Colin and Desmond Rawson, Hornsea Pottery quickly grew from being a back garden purveyor of tourist trinkets to the largest studio pottery in the world, employing over 700 people. Hornsea’s rapid growth was generated by widespread popularity and design led inspiration. Located far away from the traditional heartland in Staffordshire, Hornsea developed unique and groundbreaking techniques and designs many of which were influenced by the Rawson’s textile backgrounds. Hornsea is a great British design story involving some of the giants of British pattern and ceramic design. Today, Hornsea remains a much loved and influential brand, with a timeless appeal.

Hornsea Pottery has real public fondness and is collected widely today. Hornsea has an active collectors society, and a museum dedicated to its legacy.  A significant collection is also housed at  the V&A Museum in London.