Denby, the British pottery brand founded in 1809, closed its last store forever on Saturday after plunging into administration, bringing 217 years of history to a close.
Administration and debts
The company, which produced pottery from the same site in Derbyshire for more than two centuries, called in administrators on Christmas Eve last year and was formally placed in administration at the end of March.
Companies House documents show the company owed more than £34 million to creditors. Sweeping redundancies hit the business, with a firesale of stock aimed at bringing in as much cash as possible.
Final days and store closures
Denby's shops are now closed forever. 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).
“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.”
Initially, stores were set to open until Sunday, but pottery flew off the shelves so quickly it closed at 12 noon on Saturday (August 29).
Brand to continue
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.
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.
"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.
