VILLAGE POTTERY LIVES ON
D/VAN
In June this year it looked as though the village pottery at Compton, near Guildford, Surrey, would have to close down owing to financial difficulties. This news occasioned considerable regret since the potteries, first built in 1902 and rebuilt in 1923, had become part of the village life. Four local people decided to join forces to try and keep it going. They are: David Dunhill ("Dunhill" of the "Take it From Here" radio programme), of Shalford, near Guildford; his wife Barbara; Charles Bone, 1949 winner of the Federation of British Industries Prize for Industrial Design, who lives at Puttenham; and P. B. Smith a Guildford Solicitor. On December 5th the kiln fires were once again lit, the ceremony being performed by the grandson of Mr. George Aubertin, who has worked with the pottery since it was founded, and hope was rekindled for the survival of the crafts of England.
PHOTO SHOWS: At the revived Compton Potteries, Peter Cowell is seen handing vases into the kiln where they are received by Harry Yalden, who has had 34 years at the potteries.
FOX PHOTOS 457842
20th December, 1951
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