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Poole pages 1 2 3
Carter, Stabler & Adams, Ltd. (C.S.A.) East Quay, Poole, Dorset. Manufacturers of Earthenware. Est. 1921. Trade name: 'Poole' Pottery. A subisidiary of Carter and Co., the parent company, which was taken over by Pilkinton's Tiles in 1963. The whole enterprise then became 'Poole Pottery Ltd.'

 

Information on Poole

Extensive photo galleries of Poole freeforms are shown on this site in the 'Your Collections' section. The best book on Poole is the very comprehensive and lavishly illustrated 'Poole Pottery: Carter & Company and Their Successors 1873-2002.' by Leslie Hayward, and Edited by the excellent Paul Atterbury (2002, Richard Dennis pub.). 'Collecting Poole Pottery' by Prescott-Walker is not as comprehensive, has no index and few backstamps. .

 
Potting at Poole (c. 1962)
Contemporary leaflet on production processes at Poole with many photos. Click here for the full text and figures.

 

Carter tiles

 
Abstract tile (?1964)
Black pattern, marked on reverse along margins: 'Carter Tiles Made in England 64', possibly indicating a date of 1964. From a set of 4, pristine condition. Value: £5-10 (each)

 

 Geometric patterned tile (?1959)
The reverse is impressed: CARTER TILES 59 MADE IN ENGLAND. This might indicate a date of 1959. Pristine condition. Value: £15-30

Red pepper and red lobster tiles (?1959)
One tile has red pepper and mushrooms, the other a spectacular lobster (see detail, right). Both are stamped on the reverse: 'Carter Tiles Made in England 59'. A "crab" tile is also seen. Mint unused condition. Value: £5 each

 

Festival of Britain (1951)

Designed by Claude Smale, these commemoratives were only made in small numbers.

 

 

 Policeman mug
Impressed 647 and painted mark FOB4. This piece is in mint, unused condition. Value: £80

 

"Opportunities With Tiles"

Article in Design magazine (August, 1956) featuring tiles by Tibor Reich, Carter, Pilkinton's and others

 
 

Click here for full article and figures

  

 

Contemporary ware

This range is NOT Poole freeform, although many people apply the epithet freeform to practically anything by Poole from this era. The true Poole freeforms had undulating, asymmetric forms, which had to be slipcast, and were flower holders (see further down on this page). The contemporary range has radially symmetrical body shapes and were designed with relatively simple shapes that could be hand-thrown.

How do you tell the difference between contemporary and freeform vases? Simple. Contemporary vases have a single, symmetrical, circular, flat mouth that you could securely rest a plate on. Freeforms have one (occasionally two) irregular openings with an undulating rim; if you tried to sit a plate on top of these, it would probably fall off.

For more 1950s Poole, see Your Collections

 

Goblet- or chalice-shaped vase (1953-54)
 Impressed 704, and carrying the PQC pattern designed by Alfred Read. Like all Poole vases of the period it is finished to an exceptionally high standard and this one is quite heavy. In absolutely pristine condition, with no damage at all and no crazing; appears unused. Value: £200-400

Large beaker-shaped flower bowl (1953-54)
PQC pattern, matching the above chalice. Used condition, but undamaged. Some faint water-staining round the lower edge. The lower photo shows the two vases together. Value: £200-400

 

 

Tableware and accessories (c. 1956)

 
Conserve pot
LLF W pattern (tears) designed by Ruth Pavely (c. 1956-58), body shape by Alfred Read and Guy Sydenham (1956-57). Originally had salt, pepper and lime-green tray as well (missing here). Mint condition. Value: £15
Cup and saucer
NN pattern (feather drift) designed by Alfred Read, 1953. Bad eBay purchase; has a chip. Value: £5
     

 

Freeforms

Or, more strictly: 'Eight Special Shapes for Flower Arrangements', designed in 1956-57 by Alfred Read and Guy Sydenham. In contrast to the Contemporary range, which has radially symmetrical shapes and was intended to be hand-thrown, the freeforms were asymmetric and were intended for slip casting in moulds, as shown in the photograph below.

 
 

Freeform (1954-57) in Magnolia White
This is a very large, imposing piece (around 14.5 inches tall) and one of my favourite things on this website. Value: £175

 

 

 

The photographs below shows freeform vases being taken from the moulds during manufacture, and (bottom) in the glaze-spraying shop. Taken from the leaflet Potting at Poole (c. 1962). For further images and text, click here.
 

 
Pair of pastel blue bowls
In mint condition. Value: £20 (pair)

Totem-pattern freeform bowl
One of the freeform shapes introduced in 1956 for flower arrangements. This one carries the totem pattern (PY) by Ruth Pavely and Anne Read. Similar shape to Aro bowls by Gunnar Nylund (1950). Mint condition apart from a faint graze to the glaze on the lip. Value: £70-120 (if mint)

 

Miscellaneous

 
Early flower trough by Alfred Read
In black panther glaze, this is not one of the 8 true freeforms, but does have a freeform shape. Backstamp (rubbed) for 1959-67. This shape is commonly seen in twintone, but is very rare in black panther. Gift from Sue.
     
Poole pages 1 2 3