**Moorcroft Pottery Faces Closure After Over a Century of Service**
Moorcroft Pottery, a revered fixture in the ceramic industry, has officially ceased operations after more than a century of craftsmanship, resulting in the loss of 57 jobs as reported by the GMB Union. This development marks a significant blow to the pottery industry, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent, where Moorcroft, based in Burslem, has been a storied name in pottery manufacturing. The firm announced its decision to stop trading through a social media post, indicating that it had engaged Moore Recovery to assist with voluntary liquidation processes.
In its announcement, Moorcroft’s management did not provide detailed reasons for the closure but did reference previously raising concerns about surging costs coupled with dwindling sales. In March, the company had already hinted at potential redundancies, illustrating the financial strain it faced in a competitive and evolving market.
**The Decline of a Historic Industry**
The news of Moorcroft’s demise merely amplifies the ongoing concerns surrounding the pottery sector in Stoke-on-Trent, a city affectionately dubbed “The Potteries.” Known globally for its ceramic production, Stoke-on-Trent was recently awarded World Craft City Status, emphasizing its historical significance in the ceramics field. Nevertheless, 2025 has emerged as a particularly challenging year for the industry. Just months before Moorcroft’s closure, Royal Stafford, another notable pottery company from Burslem, entered administration. The plight of Moorcroft follows the shut-down of other key manufacturers such as Dudson in 2019, Wade in Longton two years ago, and Johnsons Tiles in 2024.
The pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent, despite its long-standing legacy and its status as a cultural capital of ceramics, faces multiple adversities. The economic landscape has shifted significantly, leading to increased energy costs and competition from overseas markets that undermine local manufacturing.
**Moorcroft’s Legacy and Contributions**
Established in 1897, Moorcroft Pottery has a rich heritage that roots itself in the artistic representation of animals, flora, and intricate patterns on ceramics. The company has been located at its current site on Sandbach Road since 1913, where it has built a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs. Founder William Moorcroft was pivotal in the company’s success, particularly with support from Liberty, a prestigious London department store. Over the years, Moorcroft received numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of Potter to HM The Queen in 1928, a royal connection that persisted with designs incorporated into the Royal Collection during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Moorcroft has also enjoyed popularity among various U.S. presidents and British prime ministers, further solidifying its status as a symbol of quality and creativity within the ceramics sector.
**The Impact of Closure on the Local Community**
The news of Moorcroft’s closure has been met with deep sorrow from local stakeholders and workers. Chris Hoofe, a GMB organiser, expressed the devastating impact on employees and their families, predicting that the situation largely resulted from sky-high energy prices that have burdened the ceramics sector across the UK.
Stoke-on-Trent city council leader, Jane Ashworth, described Moorcroft Pottery as a pillar of the local ceramics heritage. She highlighted that her team had worked vigorously with the company in hopes of finding a viable solution; however, enduring global competition and economic pressures made survival exceedingly challenging. Furthermore, Ashworth emphasized the council’s continuous efforts to lobby for government support dedicated specifically to the ceramics industry to help preserve this critical aspect of local culture and economy.
In response to the troubling circumstances, the local authority has pledged to assist affected workers in finding new employment opportunities. The collective impact of Moorcroft’s closure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges traditional industries face in an increasingly globalized economy, where heritage and modern pressures clash. As the local community navigates through this tumultuous period, the hope remains to revitalize and sustain Stoke-on-Trent’s rich pottery tradition for future generations.