Poole Pottery "Choisya"

Poole Pottery Choisya was produced in the mid 1960s as part of Poole’s Compact range. The Compact shape was designed by Robert Jefferson and gave Poole a clean, contemporary tableware form, with upright cups, modern coffee pots, broad-rimmed plates and the ribbed detail that became one of the range’s most recognisable features.

Choisya is closely related to Poole Pottery Chestnut, but has a softer olive-brown glaze rather than Chestnut’s richer reddish brown. This is contrasted with white interiors and lids, giving the range a smart but practical appearance. The colouring is understated, warm and very typical of Poole’s mid-century move towards modern tableware for everyday use.

Although perhaps less widely known than Chestnut, Choisya was made across a useful range of pieces. Dinner, tea and coffee wares can be found, along with serving pieces and cookware, making it a proper working tableware range rather than just a small decorative issue.

For many customers, Choisya is a pattern they are trying to keep in regular use. As a discontinued Poole range, it is often sought out by those looking to replace a broken plate, find a missing cup and saucer, or add useful serving and cookware pieces to an existing set.

Availability depends entirely on what becomes available through the pre-loved market. Choisya is not seen as often as Chestnut, so individual pieces may only appear from time to time, especially the more heavily used dinnerware and serving items.