Poole Pottery "Rio"

Poole Pottery Rio is one of Poole’s less commonly found tableware designs. Reliable published information about the pattern appears to be limited, so we avoid giving a firm designer or production date unless a catalogue reference comes to light.

The design has a light, playful feel, with pink ribbon-like bands dividing areas of small geometric decoration. Grey and soft pink triangles, diamonds, dots and short dash marks give the pattern a confetti-like appearance, all set against a warm vanilla coloured ground.

Rio has a cheerful, carnival-inspired character, but the pastel palette keeps it softer than many bolder Poole patterns. The repeated abstract motifs give the design movement without making it feel too busy on the table.

For many customers, Rio 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 bowl, or add useful extras to an existing set.

Availability depends entirely on what becomes available through the pre-loved market. Rio does not appear to have been one of Poole’s longer-running or more widely distributed designs, so individual pieces may only appear from time to time.