History of Arklow Pottery
Timeline
1934 Turning the Sod
1935: Official Opening
1938: Government Protections
1939: Kilns & Ovens
1939: The Emergency
1940: Early Decoration Techniques
1944
1947
1951
1952
1954
1955
1958
1960
1961
1962
1963
1965
1966
1968
1970
1976
1981
1984
1985
1987
1989
1991
1994
1995
1996
1998
Special thanks goes to Dr. Audrey Whitty, Deputy Director/Head of Collections and Learning at The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, for kindly sharing her research paper into Arklow Pottery (2004) including her primary and secondary research, which greatly assisted in shaping this historical timeline.
Arklow Pottery Heritage Project
Arklow Pottery has been an important part of the economic and social history of Arklow since its establishment in 1934, to its eventual closure in 1998. Many families had a connection to the Potteries – and many fond memories were formed. Important technical skills were honed, creativity was elevated, and strong bonds were made.
The Arklow Pottery and Heritage Project aims to capture some of the history and heritage associated with Arklow Pottery through the years. It is hoped that this digital resource will enable people of all ages to engage with our heritage – to learn something completely new or to bring back memories of times gone by.
The main elements of the project are:
- Stories of Arklow Pottery: oral history video series
- Backstamp Catalogue: Arklow backstamps, by decade
- Patterns Database: some of the many patterns produced, from old to new
- Photo & Video Archive: historical photos and video from over the years
- Arklow Pottery Trail: map of the main points of interest where Arklow Pottery can be viewed
The Arklow Pottery Heritage Project was coordinated by Arklow Town Team between May and September 2022 and is funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland. This website is not considered to be a complete picture of 63 years of Arklow Pottery and it is hoped that this resource can be added to over the coming years.
Project Team
Project Coordinator: Allison Ryder – eConsult.ie
Project Supervisor: Chantal Fortune – Fortune Antiques & Interiors
Project Team Members: Irene Sweeney and Peir Leonard
Photo & Video Restoration and Pattern Photography: Eamonn & Karen Bermingham – Arklow Photo and Framing
Oral History Facilitator: Michael Fortune – Folklore.ie
Website by: Stratticus
Trail Brochure: Blueprint.ie