Born in Plymouth in August 1947. Studied at Plymouth Art College and achieved an Honours Degree in ceramics at Loughborough University.

Established "Sunshine Ceramics" in 1975, whose designs were credited with the resurgence of interest in "Eccentric" teapots in the late 1970's and early 1980's. The "Sunshine" Studio evolved into "South West Ceramics" whose output became best known via a series of teapot designs developed in conjunction with the "Tea Council."

After obtaining his degree from Bath Academy of Art, and subsequent ATD from the University of London, Tony Carter with his wife Anita set up their pottery in Debenham, Suffolk (1978).

Tony's inspiration comes from constant observation of life backed by a thorough understanding of the design of pottery. Many of his teapots have an almost timeless appeal which frequently remind people of past pleasures and forgotten objects of yesterday.

After six years learning his craft at Richard Parrington Designs, Gary set out in business in 1998. Working solo, he gets involved with every aspect of the production process, from modelling and moulding through to packing the finished piece. His themes vary from classic transport, historical figures through to the whimsical. All reflect his own interests throughout his life. "If you don’t have a passion for something, it’s not worth doing" is his motto!

Martin and Judy Bibby established the Teapottery Ltd in 1978 and originally based their pottery at Swineside in Coverdale, North Yorkshire. They aptly named their business Swineside Ceramics and made all kinds of pottery from vases to cheese dishes.

In 1983, due to the hard Yorkshire winters and their continued success they decided to expand and therefore moved their business down to the market town of Leyburn in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire where they set up a larger pottery on the business park. They quickly develop a reputation for innovative designs and in their early range they included a set of three teapots shaped as a head sporting a distinctive hairdo (Punk, Teddy Girl and Teddy Boy).

I left Exeter College of Art in 1977 with a BA Hons in Fine Art Ceramics.

In 1978 I began working with Paul Cardew in his first business Sunshine Ceramics. After a few years helping to make and decorate all manner of odd shaped ashtrays, punk mugs and Nat West piggy banks, I left to set up my own pottery in a converted pigsty in Topsham Devon.

Early work was selected by the Design Centre of London and I made my first teapot...a black and white harlequin in 1983. Encouraged by the support of The Teahouse in Covent Garden London, I made many more teapots.

Lorna Bailey was born on 10th February 1978, the daughter of Lionel and Jennifer Bailey and sister of Warren. She was brought up in Dimsdale View East, Porthill, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. She has lived throughout her life in and around the Wolstanton area of Newcastle-under-Lyme and it is this area from which the majority of the names for her designs are taken.

She attended Oaklands Nursery in Porthill, Ellison Primary School in Wolstanton and Wolstanton High School. From there she attended Stoke-on-Trent College leaving with a B.Tec National Diploma in Design (Ceramics). Stoke-on-Trent College is the successor to the Burslem School Of Art where Lorna`s illustrious predecessors in design, namely Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper, Charlotte Rhead and Fredrick Rhead and Mabel Leigh amongst others all studied Indeed due to her bold, striking designs Lorna is often referred to as the next Clarice Cliff !