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Ellgreave
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The Ellgreave Pottery Co. was founded in Burslem in Staffordshire
in 1921 by Wood & Sons who were later famously associated
with Susie Cooper. Ellgreave's main production was in teapots
and quality domestic earthenware, but they also made figurines,
tableware, vases etc.
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Around 1923 the famous Charlotte Rhead, who had been working at
Wood & Sons since 1912, after
her father had been appointed art director of the company,
designed for the Ellgreave Pottery and had a considerable hand in
modernising their designs. Much of her work was sold by Ellgreave
under the trade name of Lottie Rhead Ware. Having continued production
without a break since 1921 the pottery closed in 1981.
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Ellgreave are best known in piggy bank terms for their famous 'Mr
Pig', 'Mr Piggy' and 'Wiggy' designs. The 'Mr Pig' banks were made
in the 1920's and there are two different types, both from what
appear to be the same moulds, but with the slots in different places.
Most seem to have the slot in the back of the head, but some, and
we imagine the earlier ones, had the slot in front of the left shoulder.
Both types are shown on this page.

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Whilst the piggy banks can be fairly easily obtained it is very
difficult to find them in good to perfect condition as they are
made with a very soft glaze and the paint chips very easily. An
almost perfect 'Mr Pig' is valued in a recent 'Millers Collectables
Price Guide' as being worth between £85 and £95.
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