Former Burberry CEO Christopher Bailey buys British ceramics house
Christopher Bailey, the former Chief Executive and designer at Burberry, has joined a small group of investors to acquire Burleigh Pottery, a British ceramics house founded in 1851.
While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition secures the future of Burleigh's Middleport Pottery site, which it has operated since 1889.
Burleigh's future has been uncertain since its parent company, Denby Pottery, entered administration on 31 March 2026. Denby cited rising energy and employment costs as reasons for entering administration this year.
Bailey is expected to take a hands-on role in the business, overseeing day-to-day operations and helping to shape its long-term strategy. This marks Bailey's first return to the spotlight since leaving Burberry in 2018.
Bailey joined Burberry in 2001 and was instrumental in its transformation into a global luxury powerhouse. In 2014, he became Chief Executive and Chief Creative Officer following the departure of Angela Ahrendts to Apple.
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Speaking on the new venture, Bailey said he has always loved Burleigh pottery. "This company has an extraordinary history, and what makes it so special today is the skill, care and creative spirit that continue to define the business. It is a privilege to become part of that story," he said.
"I am deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that make Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house."
Burleigh is described as the oldest continuously operating Victorian pottery in England, with its signature designs, including Asiatic Pheasants and Regal Peacock, considered benchmark examples of English tissue-transfer ware.
It is the last heritage pottery company in the world to still use the tissue-transfer printing method, a highly specialised technique that requires years of training to perfect and involves transferring intricate pigmented patterns onto raw clay.
Burleigh is renowned internationally and has previously partnered with Ralph Lauren, Soho House and Daylesford.
