Closure and A Fresh Start.
Leonard Curtis were appointed administrators in 2003, and sold the company as a going concern to Dorset businessman Peter Ford. They also raised funds for creditors by selling historic artefacts from the Pottery's museum.
On 15 December 2006, it was announced that the shop would close, due to non-payment of debts mounting up since new owners took over in August. The company, including the factory, went into administration on 20 December 2006, owing £1 million to over 300 creditors.
Poole Pottery came out of administration on 10 February 2007 and was under the control of Lifestyle Group Ltd, which also owns Royal Stafford Tableware.
The pottery shop remains open on Poole Quay, selling Poole Pottery giftware (first and seconds), lighting, tableware and studio ranges. Along with Royal Stafford tableware ranges and the Lifestyle Products ranges. There is also a studio on site, which is where a large amount of design work is done for new and future products. It is also where limited editions and one-off pieces are produced by a studio team led by master potter Alan White, and designers/paintresses Jane Brewer, Nicky Massarella and Lorna Whitmarsh.
The main Poole Pottery factory is now at the Royal Overhouse Manufactory (sharing with Royal Stafford) in Burslem, Stoke on Trent where production is now carried out following the closure of the Poole factory. Poole Pottery is now currently owned by the Denby Holdings Group.
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