Burleigh Pottery has long been synonymous with craftsmanship, tradition, and timeless design. But behind the scenes, it is our workforce that is responsible for shaping the future while preserving the past. Women have always played a significant role in our industry, yet it has taken time for their contributions to be fully recognised.
In the early days, the women of Staffordshire supplemented household incomes by working six days a week, often in the only way available to them. Women typically held specific roles, including decorating—whether through transfer printing or hand-painting—as well as selecting, cup handling, and thimble picking. These were highly skilled jobs, yet they were often lower paid than those assigned to men.
During both World Wars, women stepped into the roles left vacant by men who had gone to serve, essentially keeping the pottery industry alive. They took on every aspect of production, including jobs that had traditionally been reserved for men—sometimes due to misconceptions about skill, other times due to the physical demands of the work. However, during both wars, women proved they were more than capable of handling any task given to them. Yet, once peace returned, they were often expected to step back into their traditional roles. While Burleigh Pottery has always fostered a spirit of fairness and progressiveness, the industry as a whole did not always reflect these values. At times, it has been a tough sector to work in—precarious and physically demanding.
Today, things have changed. Women have taken on roles that were once exclusively male, and this time, it’s for good. They have mastered skills such as transfer printing, a craft historically dominated by men. Slip casting, another traditionally male-only role, is now performed by talented women like Julie, one of our skilled casters.
That’s not to say women have turned away from more traditional roles—rather, it is now about choosing the best person for the job. Generations of women have perfected the unique technique of underglaze tissue transfer printing, a skill passed down and preserved within our small but formidable team of 12 "transferrers." Their expertise is irreplaceable, and their contributions are the backbone of our decorative process.
Women have always been at the heart of Burleigh’s success, and it is important to honor both those we employ today and the hundreds who came before them. Over the years, countless women have dedicated their skills to Burleigh, passing down knowledge through generations. During wartime, when men were called to serve, women provided the backbone of the workforce, ensuring that production continued, and that Burleigh’s legacy endured. Their dedication and craftsmanship kept the pottery thriving through some of its most challenging times.
So this International Women's Day, we say a big thank you to all the women who have helped shape Burleigh Pottery. Their skill, dedication, and craftsmanship ensure that our traditions continue to thrive, making Burleigh a lasting testament to their contributions.
Images:
Julie - Slip Caster
Jane - Paintress
Carole - Transferrers Washer
Mikaela - Transferring Printer
Dawn & Lin - Casters Spongers