Denby, the historic pottery brand founded in 1809, closed its last shop forever on Saturday after entering administration with debts of more than £34 million. The company, which produced pottery from the same Derbyshire site for 217 years, was formally placed in administration at the end of March.
A 217-year history ends
Founded 28 years before Queen Victoria ascended to the throne, Denby became a household name in British pottery, producing items for occasions including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. However, Companies House documents show Denby Group Ltd owed more than £34 million to creditors.
Administrators launched a firesale of stock aimed at bringing in as much cash as possible. Initially, stores were set to remain open until Sunday, but pottery sold so quickly that the last shop closed at 12pm on Saturday, August 29.
Brand to continue under new ownership
A statement from the company, released last week, said: "It is with great sadness that, following Denby entering administration, all our stores will be closed by the end of this week (week ending 30th August)."
The statement added: "We would like to thank all our customers who have visited our stores and website over the years, and especially all our great colleagues in the factory, warehouse and stores over the years who have made Denby what it has been."
A source from administrators FRP said response to news of the closure was "phenomenal", with higher than expected footfall at its closing down sale over the past few days.
Legacy lives on
Although Denby is set to cease production, the brand is set to live on, according to Tony Wright from FRP. He said: "It's undoubtedly a sad moment to see the Pottery Village close after so many years as the home of this much-loved British brand."
Wright added: "We wanted to give shoppers and Denby enthusiasts the chance to visit one final time and take home a piece of its heritage. While the stores are closing, the Denby brand itself will continue under new ownership, ensuring its legacy lives on."
International Denby subsidiaries are unaffected by the UK company's administration.
