Dylan Cross Visit

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Based in Pilling, Lancashire, Pilling Pottery has been creating predominantly hand thrown stoneware tableware since 1968 (Appendix 5). The work produced by Dylan Cross’ family has a very recognisable style, featured within tableware and cookware. Whilst the designs are tried and tested, Dylan is determined to experiment with new ideas particularly when creating new glazes.

When asked as to what were his influences, Dylan replied “Family and money!” With nearly 50 years of trading, it comes as little surprise that a family business such as Pilling Pottery needs to be market-led to a greater extent, in order to be viable.

The plates pictured above show a typical glaze test, a plate created for a local chain of fish restaurants and (far right) a plate created for the celebrity chef, James Martin. Dependent on commissions and sales of familiar lines, Dylan is also determined to allow himself time to experiment with new forms and new glazes.

I chose to visit Pilling Pottery, because the Cross family have featured heavily in my life since the early 1970s. I was interested to see as to what drove the business and their ideas, past, present and future. It is heartening to think that such a family business is able to exist, producing honest tableware, with three generations of potters still working and living together. Whilst the relevance to my practice may not seem obvious, I know that I can call on the Cross family to ask for their advice and know that they will be able to give an opinion based on direct experience.

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