Four easy ways you can do your part to protect English heritage.
Never mind the goings-on in Whitehall – even less the latest post by Donald Trump. Denby could be about to end its operations for good, after more than 200 years of sending its properly-made products from its home – just up the road from us, in Derby – to homes all across the world. Surely that’s more worthy of our attention – and, where possible, action.
With the world the way it is, it’s perhaps not in my best interest to admit that the company’s fall into administration is the story that is getting to me most.
Faults within my own personality are no doubt playing a role in this – not that plates are the most unusual things to obsess over.
But Denby’s history and well-earned status as a maker of quality, long-lasting goods – meaning so many British families have at least some of their pieces, often passed down between generations – is surely a bigger factor.
The pottery has been handcrafting on the same Derbyshire site, using locally-sourced clay, for 217 years, and employs hundreds of people locally, despite all of which its CEO now says rising costs – especially of energy – are making continued business impossible.
There is obviously more going on here. Families have less disposable income, meaning they struggle to buy well, once, and instead spend less again and again – after each inevitable smash. Most couples also now live together before they get married, if they tie the knot at all, meaning bfriends and relatives are more likely to give cash as a wedding present, rather than some form of household essential – think Tutbury Crystal, Arthur Price cutlery and, of course, kiln dining sets.
But while the company battles for its future, all this is by the by.
What matters here is how we can help. Denby has made your job – and, admittedly, mine, in writing this article – easier by posting four simple steps itself. They are:
Share the #SaveDenby campaign far and wide, on social media, with your friends and family, and work colleagues – with anyone who might be interested in wanting to protect an important piece of English heritage.
Let the government know how you feel, by signing up to receive notice of when Denby’s application for a parliamentary petition is approved. You can also contact your local MP directly about the issue here.
Buy Denby products. That’s an obvious one, but it’s important. So much on Denby’s site has sold out since the business went into administration, which shows how many people care. And even if you’re not in the best financial situation yourself, there’s plenty of good products on sale, at really reasonable prices.
You could also visit Denby at the Pottery Village in Derbyshire, where even buying a cup of tea will contribute to its battle to stay open.
The company has been in administration for more than a fortnight. If something isn’t done, and soon, it will be gone forever. And the local skillset, developed over generations, used to create beautiful and durable tableware will no doubt go with it.
This article was originally published in the Burton Echo, here.