WEARSIDE POTTERY: A 20TH-CENTURY POTWORKS IN SUNDERLAND

Abstract

This article summarises the findings from a recent archaeological excavation of the former Wearside Pottery in Sunderland, which provided a valuable opportunity to study the buried remains of a 20th-century potworks. Sunderland has a rich heritage of producing a range of wares for the home and export markets, although the town’s numerous potworks became particularly well known for their pink lustrewares. All of these potworks have since been demolished, and the lack of surviving physical remains is in stark contrast to the former importance of the local industry. Established in 1913, the Wearside Pottery was the last potworks to be built in the town, and its ultimate closure in 1957 marked the end of Sunderland’s long tradition of producing pottery. The excavation exposed the foundations of the principal manufacturing areas, including the base of a coal-fired bottle kiln, and enabled the process-flow through at least part of the site to be established. A review of the available documentary material, coupled with the archaeological evidence, has also allowed several stages in the development of the potworks to be identified.

Acknowledgements

St Modwen Ltd is gratefully acknowledged for providing the funding to undertake the excavation and subsequent analysis. Particular thanks are expressed to Jennifer Morrison, the Archaeology Officer for Tyne and Wear, and Nansi Rosenberg of Prospect Archaeology Ltd, consultant archaeologist acting on behalf of St Modwen, for their guidance and advice. The excavation was directed by Chris Wild and Andrew Frudd, who was assisted by Phil Cooke, Paul Dunn, John Onraet and Aiden Parker. The illustrations were produced by Mark Tidmarsh and Adam Parsons.