Westpans Potteries

Scotland’s ceramic whispers echo here at Westpans Potteries. This unassuming site, nestled near Musselburgh, cradles a rich history of craftsmanship and innovation. Westpans Potteries wasn’t always about delicate china. Early records reveal the area buzzed with salt panning, mentioned as early as 1452. Glassmaking also flourished here in the 17th century. But around 1740, local clay ignited a new spark, giving rise to the potteries. Names like Robert Pate, Hillcote, and Cubie emerge from the historical records, early pioneers of this burgeoning industry. Initially, they crafted redware, simple yet functional. But the arrival of William Littler in 1764 marked a turning point for Westpans Potteries. Littler, a seasoned potter from Staffordshire, brought with him the knowledge of porcelain making. This marked the beginning of china production in Scotland. Littler leased land, faced bankruptcy, but persevered. Advertisements in The Caledonian Mercury between 1765 and 1777 offer glimpses into his work and struggles. Excavations at Westpans Potteries have unearthed a treasure trove of shards, primarily china from Littler’s era. These fragments piece together a picture of the pottery’s output. After Littler’s return to England, Westpans Potteries seemed to slumber. But like a phoenix, it rose again. Robert Bagnall and Anthony de la Chappelle rekindled the kilns around 1784-1792. The West Pans Stoneware Company, with Bagnall at the helm, emerged in 1793. William Reid, later of Newbigging Pottery, also left his mark here from 1793-1801. Other names, John Watson and William Smith, flit through the historical tapestry of Westpans Potteries. The final chapter came in 1832, when Watson sold the site to Sir James Suttie, bringing ceramic production to a close. The full story of Westpans Potteries, with its intricate web of partnerships and family ties, awaits further unraveling. But even now, the echoes of Scotland’s ceramic whispers resonate here, a testament to ingenuity and enduring legacy.