Farewell Cardew Pottery Crazy Teapot Designs
As reported on Teapots Teapots Teapots one of Devon’s better tourist attractions the Cardew Pottery is closing.
The Cardew Pottery in Bovey Tracey closed its doors to visitors on 12th June and production of their specialty teapots has stopped.
Teapot classics such as the Petrol Pump, Betty Boop, the extensive range of Disney characters and the inspirational British food range including Coleman’s Mustard and the Marmite Teapot could now become highly collectible items and begin to fetch eye watering sums at auction.
Owner Paul Cardew reports on his website “Whilst it’s very emotional here, as we clear things out and sort through the back catalogue, the plans for the future are really exciting. We are not yet in a position to announce the next phase of the adventure but keep checking back to this website, where we soon hope to be able to let you know the way forward”
“not yet in a position to announce the next phase” could be interpreted “cannot be arsed since we’ve made a fortune by selling the land for housing”
Residents of Bovey Tracey have wondered for some time where the proposed new housing development will be and there is an increasing feeling of resentment that the Cardew Pottery which sits in 10 Acres of what was once beautiful woodland with ponds is prime suspect.
Cardew was enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike - how many other tourist “attractions” can genuinely make claim to that? The pottery painting studio was well equipped and good value when compared to ventures such as China Blue in “we saw you coming” Totnes.
Alas no more the “Sunday Lunch Specials - Served Daily” and what we wonder will become of the Cardew Cat (Chairman Meow) that would sleep around the shop and studio always accommodate a little fuss - come on Paul - think of the Puss Cat!
Its a shame to see another find craftsman have to close their doors. The world needs more potters that take care in their product like Paul Cardew. Good luck in the future Paul
Such a shame that Cardew has closed it’s doors for the last time. My two young daughters have always enjoyed a couple of hours in there, getting messy with clay and paint whilst on holiday. Please don’t let the marble factory go the same way.
The Coleman’s Mustard, Lyle’s Golden Syrup and Marmite Teapot in your photograph were not designed or made by Paul they were made at the Teapottery in Leyburn Wensleydale.
It is a shame that the pottery must close his doors. Nowadays i see a lot of old little shops go down by the automatisation and developing of bigger commercial shops. The internet and modernization are also two reasons that shops like these can not compete. I hope sincerly that they have made enough money so they can modernize their store to nowadays demands.
Its a shame to see another find craftsman have to close their doors.
I agree that it’s a sad day when stores like these have to close. Hopefully they can venture forward and stay in a field that they obviously enjoy.