Poole Pottery "Black Pebble"

Poole Pottery Black Pebble was designed by Robert Jefferson in the late 1950s, during a period when Poole was moving towards a more modern, design-led style. Jefferson became Poole’s resident designer in 1958 and helped steer the factory into a new era of contemporary shapes, printed decoration and more informal tableware.

The Black Pebble design has a bold all-over pattern made up of irregular pebble-like forms, giving the surface a textured, almost organic appearance. It is very different from Poole’s earlier traditional styles and sits neatly alongside the factory’s late 1950s and early 1960s experiments with modern pattern and shape.

Black Pebble is associated with Robert Jefferson’s early modern tableware work and was produced in relatively small quantities. Its strong monochrome look makes it particularly distinctive, especially when compared with the warmer glazes and more colourful patterns often associated with Poole.

As Black Pebble is now discontinued and seldom seen, availability is usually very limited. Pieces are sought after by collectors as well as by customers looking to replace or add to an existing Poole service, so stock can vary considerably depending on what becomes available through the pre-loved market.