Yorkshire company's quirky teapots provide cheer for customers during lockdown

Ceramic Inspirations, based in Leyburn, create special Yorkshire-themed teapots and many other unique designs, to raise a smile in the community.

Despite temporarily closing the factory due to lockdown restrictions, the handcrafted teapot company has reported a surge in online sales via its website. Regional inspired creations include the Yorkshire Dales teapot and a Wensleydale cheese design, while the most popular teapot is influenced by Farrah’s original Harrogate toffee tin.

Stuart Williamson, sales executive for Ceramic Inspirations, runs the company alongside his father Ian.

He said: “Since lockdown people seem to have really taken to our Yorkshire-themed teapots.”

Some of the other bestsellers are The Aga and The Espresso Machine and the novelty Bath Tub.

Mr Williamson said: “We have had to temporarily close the factory due to lack of visitors as we are all staying at home but we’ve put a lot more emphasis online.”

The company, which was originally known as Swineside Ceramics and most recently The Teapottery, also produce the familiar Countdown teapot for the winners of the hit Channel 4 programme.

Each teapot is handcrafted using a combination of modern and traditional techniques and the basic manufacturing process has remained virtually unchanged since the 18th century.

The range of innovative and eccentric designs has captured the imagination of many and has become a firm favourite with enthusiasts across the world.

The firm was set up in 1978 by designers Martin and Judy Bibby, who created many of the designs which are still popular today.

By 1986 the teapots were becoming so popular the Bibbys decided to change the company name to Swineside Teapottery.

Due to the increased demand they soon outgrew the Swineside premises and moved to Leyburn Business Park.

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