One of Britain’s best-known names in art pottery is set for a new chapter after Woodlodge acquired Brannam Pottery and its historic design archive.
The Tetbury-based garden pottery specialist has acquired Brannam Pottery, C.H. Brannam, Royal Barum Ware and Litchdon Potteries, together with the intellectual property and original design books associated with the brands.
The acquisition brings more than 175 years of British pottery heritage into the care of Woodlodge, which plans to preserve the archive while using it as inspiration for the future of the Brannam name.
Brannam traces its roots to Barnstaple, North Devon, in 1848 and became a prominent name in the British art-pottery movement designing and manufacturing pottery for famous retail names such as Liberty & Heals. Under Charles Hubert Brannam, the pottery became known for expressive shapes, rich glazes, tactile finishes and distinctive botanical and animal decoration. Its reputation extended well beyond Devon, with Queen Victoria placing an order in 1885 and the Royal Barum Ware name registered the following year.
Central to the acquisition is Brannam’s collection of historic design books. The archive provides a record of generations of pottery design, capturing the shapes, motifs, colours and decorative techniques that helped establish the distinctive Brannam style.
Woodlodge plans to use these original designs as a creative reference rather than simply reproducing pieces from the past, with the archive informing future interpretations for contemporary homes and gardens.
Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge Products, said: “Brannam represents exactly the kind of British design heritage that deserves to be protected and brought back to life. We see ourselves as custodians of that heritage.”
Simon Fox, who led Brannam Pottery for many years, said: “Woodlodge has a deep understanding of pottery, an established relationship with garden centres across the country and, most importantly, a genuine enthusiasm for the history and design legacy behind Brannam. I believe they are ideally placed to act as custodians of the name and to introduce its iconic British earthenware style to a new generation.”
The acquisition marks a natural step for Woodlodge, a second-generation family business established in 1987. The company has built its reputation around garden pottery and supports garden centres and retail outlets across the UK.
An exclusive preview of the next chapter for Brannam will be revealed at Glee, where visitors can find Woodlodge at Hall 19, Stand E10-G11.
Contact: pots@woodlodge.co.uk
Website: www.woodlodge.co.uk
