Hornsea Pottery began in 1949 in the seaside town of Hornsea, East Yorkshire, founded by brothers Colin and Desmond Rawson. What started as a small studio making souvenirs for tourists soon evolved into one of Britain's most iconic pottery brands. Its rise to fame came in the 1960s and '70s, when bold, modern designs like Heirloom, Saffron, and Bronte captured the spirit of the era.

Hornsea’s designers, especially John Clappison, revolutionized tableware with their innovative patterns and glazes—functional yet artistic. Their work blended mid-century charm with everyday utility, making their ceramics both collectible and commonplace in British homes.

Despite success, changing tastes and economic pressures led to the factory's closure in 2000. Yet Hornsea Pottery remains a design legend, celebrated by collectors worldwide. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of British creativity and postwar optimism.