Rye Pottery’s Sussex Pigs on the BBC
- Sussex Pigs – ceramic pigs painted individually to order and waiting to be fired in the kiln
Now nearly the end of April and we’re still very busy hand-crafting, painting and packing our Sussex Pigs. We have been thrilled to find ourselves mailing our charming traditional Sussex wedding presents all over the country – and indeed the world – since our appearance on the BBC’s Flog It Trade Secrets back in February.
We’ve also been delighted by how many Sussex and Kent residents spotted Quin’s television appearance, and have snapped up pigs for their own mantlepieces or to give to friends and family for weddings and anniversaries. It’s been wonderful to have so many people so keen to support a 200 year-old tradition and a ceramics firm that still decorates AND produces in Britain.
Obviously the idea of one as a wedding present instead of a real live pig has reminded us all of the more rural and leisured way of life in the 18th century – though no doubt we’d all have been thrilled to be given a real pig 200 years ago.
In our Sussex Pig archive files we have some black and white pictures of two early 19th century Sussex pigs that are owned by the Museum at Williamsburg Virginia; unfortunately when visiting ourselves, the curator on the day was unable to tell us how they had acquired their pigs. So if any of our collecors on the other side of the pond ever visit the museum and can find out more we’d love to know.
Back in Rye it’s wonderful to still be talking to customers every day who spotted our appearance on the Beeb. Many of them it seems have been waiting for the good weather so they can not only visit us, but enjoy a full day in Rye, not least lunch in one of the many great places to eat here.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Click here for more information about our Sussex Pigs
 
