Home   Stowmarket   Article

Subscribe Now

Carters of Suffolk in Stonham Aspal near Stowmarket sees US sales boost after ‘England Made with Love’ show appearance





A Suffolk handmade teapot maker has featured on an American TV programme and has seen a boost in its global sales thanks to the show.

Carters of Suffolk, a pottery based at Stonham Barns Park in Stonham Aspal, near Stowmarket, featured on PBS America’s ‘England Made with Love’ show, looking at the talented men and women who have dedicated their lives to artisan craft in this country.

Carters supplies department stores, museums, gift shops and tearooms around the world, as well as online retailers such as Wayfair and Etsy.

Carters of Suffolk chief executive Valerie Baldry (right) with pottery worker Carol Bridges
Carters of Suffolk chief executive Valerie Baldry (right) with pottery worker Carol Bridges

Speaking about the programme Valerie Baldry, Carters of Suffolk’s managing director said: “We are overjoyed to have been selected for this prestigious ‘England Made with Love’ episode.

“Since the programme has aired, we have received more 400 orders from customers in the USA which shows the power of television.

“Many more orders are coming in as it has created a wave of new interest on our website too.

Pottery staff (L-R) Carol Bridges, Jil Davey and Tracey Maskell in the pottery at Carters of Suffolk
Pottery staff (L-R) Carol Bridges, Jil Davey and Tracey Maskell in the pottery at Carters of Suffolk

“It is an honour to have been featured and it has created a real boost to global sales.”

The company, which has produced high quality handmade British ceramics for customers since 1978, uses traditional techniques and the entire process of each teapot, from clay to finished product takes about 24 hours.

Patrick Greene of Symbio Studios, the US-based company who made the film at the pottery, said: “Carters of Suffolk’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every teapot produced.

“The dedication of the artisans, who pour their love and effort into each piece, results in exquisite items appreciated by all who possess them. The joy and pride experienced by the craftsmen can be felt through their work, as they consider their profession a labour of love.”