Revolutionary clay will reduce pottery energy costs

High energy costs have repeatedly been blamed for the closure of long-running pottery companies and the redundancy of many Staffordshire workers this year.

But a Stoke-on-Trent clay supplier's new stoneware product will dramatically reduce firing temperatures and save potters money.

Valentine Clays' chief executive officer, Hannah Ault, said they were developing further bodies, which are a type of ceramic, to support major industry companies.

"This is my bit as a supply chain to try and help the industry and do what I can and just help people to bring costs down," she said.

"They don't need to fire their kilns at that ridiculously high temperature anymore."

Valentine Clays, which is based in Fenton, have been researching and developing their LoStone range for decades and have now released a clay that they said "the UK hasn't seen before".

"It's a real big deal, and we are just trying to do our bit in terms of sustainability," said Ms Ault, who is also the president of Ceramics UK.

"We're all really conscious of the energy crisis that the ceramic industry is currently facing."

Royal Stafford in Burslem, Heraldic in Newstead, and Moorcroft in Cobridge collapsed this year due to rising energy costs and falling sales.

More recently, pottery giant Wedgwood in Barlaston paused production until December.

But this breakthrough product brings some hope during a challenging year, along with TG Green revitalising the Royal Stafford site and Moorcroft reopening under family control.

It is a development that has the backing of Great Pottery Throw Down series consultant, Kevin Millward.

"The advantages of bringing the firing temperatures down are massive," he stressed.

"This new range of stoneware bodies that Valentine's are bringing out will be very welcome, particularly in the hobby and studio market."

Kevin Millward and TV producers are on set at Gladstone Pottery Museum currently shooting the ninth series of the Great Pottery Throw Down

Ms Ault admitted that their latest release is primarily for studio potters but is committed to more research and development to help larger ceramic firms, like their well-known customer Moorcroft.

"We're looking at developing further bodies to help industry to help to bring their energy costs down as well," she aimed.