31 July 2015
Worcestershire’s international reputation for making the best porcelain in the world is being kept alive and well thanks to a Malvern company.
Bronte Porcelain, based in Malvern, is about to launch a global sales drive as it creates a series of product lines for export.
The company has recruited many of the experts from the now-defunct Worcester porcelain factory and is developing a range of high-end products to carry the prestigious Chamberlain & Co brand for unveiling at a premier international trade fair, in Paris, in September.
The brand is named after one of the original Worcester porcelain companies founded by Robert Chamberlain – who was the very first apprentice working with Worcester porcelain.
The pieces take hundreds of hours to produce and the signature pieces in the collection retail for up to £35,000 each.
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin was invited to tour the Malvern factory and meet with staff last week (Friday July 24).
Harriett commented: “It is great to see Bronte Porcelain taking on some of the local skilled craftspeople to ensure that the tradition for making fine china products is kept in the county.
“I have offered my help as the team take on the challenge of identifying international sales opportunities.
“The company has made some exquisite pieces and I hope that they will be able to continue the county’s tradition for excellence in this field.
Bronte Porcelain chairman Colin Kinnear added: “We are committed to producing the best of British luxury fine bone china, ensuring that world class ceramic manufacture continues in Worcestershire and providing opportunity for the traditional skills of the region to flourish into the future.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to discuss our plans with Harriett and to receive her support”.
Photo: (l-r) Matthew Riddell, Colin Kinnear, Phil Davis, Harriett Baldwin MP view a special fine china figure of the Queen’s grand-daughter and equestrian star Zara Phillips.