One of Britain's most historic pottery manufacturers has produced its final piece after more than two centuries in business.
The closure marks the end of an era for a company whose ceramics were once found in homes across the world and commissioned for major royal occasions.
Richard Eaton, the designer behind Denby Pottery's iconic Imperial Blue range, has signed the final item produced at the Derbyshire factory, a bowl finished in the distinctive glaze he created more than 35 years ago.
The company confirmed on Monday that Eaton collected and signed the last piece to emerge from its kilns, bringing a 217-year manufacturing history to a close.
Production at the site ended last week, with the final batch of ceramics fired on Thursday.
Denby entered administration on 31 March after being hit by rising energy costs, higher employment expenses and weakening consumer demand.
A #SaveDenby campaign encouraging customers to buy more products in an effort to save the business ultimately failed, with administrators unable to find a buyer to continue operations.
The pottery was founded in 1809 by William Bourne after he discovered high-quality clay in the village of Denby.
Initially producing salt-glazed bottles, the company was exporting its products around the world by the 1830s.
Often described as the world's largest studio pottery, Denby remained committed to traditional craftsmanship throughout its history. More than 20 pairs of hands would typically handle each piece before it reached customers.
Richard Eaton has signed the final item produced at the Derbyshire factory
|DENBY INSTAGRAM
The company became known for its durable stoneware and its "buy well, buy once" philosophy. Through its Collectors Promise scheme, Denby offered customers a 10-year guarantee on its products.
It also helped popularise the "oven-to-table" trend in the 1970s by designing ceramics intended for everyday use rather than special occasions.
Over the years, Denby produced commemorative pieces for several major royal events, including the coronations of King Edward VII, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, as well as the wedding of King Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.
The closure has sparked political controversy, with Tory MP Tom Tugendhat describing the shuttering of Denby's kilns as a "man-made tragedy" and attributing blame to Ed Miliband's net zero targets for "pushing businesses to the wall.
Denby thanking their customers on their post
|DENBY INSTAGRAM
Campaigners have argued that pottery manufacturers faced an unfair disadvantage after being excluded from Government energy support packages extended to other energy-intensive sectors during the conflict in Iran.
A petition launched by Hayley Baddiley, Denby's former global marketing director, calls for ceramics to be included in the British Industry Supercharger scheme, which currently provides electricity cost relief to industries such as steel and chemicals.
The petition, titled "support the ceramics industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skills," has now gathered more than 105,000 signatures, surpassing the threshold required for consideration of a parliamentary debate.
The company shared an emotional farewell video featuring Roger, a staff member with 54 years of service, pushing a trolley laden with clay bowls and vases towards the kiln as colleagues applauded.
The very last piece of pottery made at Denby
|DENBY INSTAGRAM
"Centuries of making pottery at Denby may be coming to a close, but the love and soul poured into each piece will live on," the company stated on social media.
Discount retailer Home Bargains mounted a late rescue bid last week, with other homeware companies also reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the brand's assets.
GMB Union representative Craig Thomson called the closure a "disaster" for Derbyshire, arguing that administrators were "being short-sighted in not allowing new buyers to come forward."
The company expressed gratitude for the "outpouring of love and support at this difficult time."