There is probably not a home on the Isle of Wight that doesn’t have a mug, plate, egg cup or jug from Chessell Pottery hand-painted by a family member.
Next week sees the end of an era, as the Pottery announce they will no longer be offering pottery painting. With the rising cost of living, it has become “economically unviable” for them to continue with this activity.
Posting the news on their social media page, Chessell Pottery received an outpouring of best wishes from supporters.
Chessell: Difficult choices have to be taken
Chessell Pottery said,
“Here at Chessell we are undergoing various changes in order to keep our family-run business, sustainable. Difficult choices have to be taken.
“We are incredibly proud of the cafe we have created, and the team of people who work alongside us; and we will continue to put 100 per cent effort into maintaining and developing our friendly, community orientated cafe business. We value your support.”
Start your own pottery painting business?
The Pottery also offered support to anyone would like to start up a pottery painting business.
They say you can pop in or give them a call and they’ll happily pass on their contacts and any useful knowledge they may have.
History of the pottery
Chessell Pottery was founded in 1978 by Sheila and John Francis, who began making pottery in a converted barn at Chessell.
Chessell soon gained a reputation for producing high-quality pottery and expanded to include a cafe and gift shop. It was taken over by Aiden and Louise Collins from 2003, with Mark Giddens and Anna Davidson stepping in from 2018.
Chessell has became a popular tourist attraction and despite the pottery painting coming to an end, we’re sure the cafe and gift shop will continue to be well supported.
Article edit
9pm 7th Mar 2023 – Name of Chessell founder corrected.
Image: © Chessell Pottery Cafe
