Poole Pottery "Aegean"

Poole Pottery Aegean was introduced in 1970 and remained in production until around 1980. It followed on from the success of Poole Delphis, but had a character very much of its own. Where Delphis is often associated with bright, freely painted colour, Aegean used darker, earthier tones with dramatic surface decoration, giving the pieces a rich, almost ancient quality.

The range was developed during an important period in Poole’s design history, when the factory was continuing to explore the space between studio pottery and commercial production. Leslie Elsden was closely associated with Aegean, and the range included work by a number of designers and paintresses over the years. Decoration was often produced using techniques such as sgraffito and silhouette, with designs scratched, painted or layered into the glaze to create strong contrast and depth.

Aegean pieces vary widely, from fish and bird designs to abstract, landscape and geometric decoration. Bowls, dishes, plaques, vases and sweet dishes are among the pieces found, although availability can vary considerably as stock depends on what becomes available in the pre-loved and collectors’ market.

Because Aegean was hand-decorated, no two pieces are quite the same. Differences in colour, glaze movement, intensity and painted detail are part of the range’s appeal, and help give each piece its individual character.