For over a hundred years Coalport China has been one of the mainstays of our family business. Along with top china and crystal brands, such as Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Minton, Royal Worcester and Spode, Coalport was one of the most prestigious. These days, it’s known more for Coalport Ladies and figurines than very much else. These china crinoline ladies are still popular as prestigious collectable ornaments. Coalport Figurines are even today regarded as the finest of the collectible figurine market.

This has not always been the case, however. For many years Coalport China was regarded as one of the most desirable of the tableware brands. Many a royal household still uses today magnificent tureens and elegant platters, not to mention the more prosaic plates, bowls, cups and saucers, all bearing the famous Coalport backstamp. The famous mark, until very recently, was also found on the back of china florals. Regarded today as old-fashioned, these ornaments are undeniably made with the greatest skill and craftsmanship. Each piece consists of a small china bowl, on top of which are placed clusters of china flowers. Each one is painstakingly created by hand – every leaf and petal is pressed into shape one by one, before being delicately placed into the ‘posy’.

So – we have tableware, florals and Coalport figurines, but what is little known is that Coaplort also used to be one of the major suppliers of ..... the Guzunder. ‘What on earth is that?’ I hear you ask. Well, would it help if I were to say that it is a ceramic object which ‘guzunder’ (goes under) the bed? Yes, I’m sure you’ve worked it out – it’s what is commonly known as a chamber pot – a household essential before the days of modern indoor plumbing. Before the second world war, our business used to supply these in large quantites to many customers, even to the local hospitals.

My father has many tales to tell about his time in our china and glass business, and one in particular revolves around the infamous guzunder. He recieved a telephone call one morning. The posh aristocratic voice at the end of the line, bellowed, “I should like to know what you have in the way of chamber pots.” Now my dad was sure he recognised the voice;it was one of his fishing friends having a laugh at his expense. Being a quick-witted chap my father eplied, “Most certainly. We’ve got dozens of different chamber pots Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Coalport China – all different shapes and sizes. Just bring your fat backside along to the shop and will measure you up!” There followed a brief pause, after which the voice at the other end of the line muttered, somewhat peevishly, “I don’t know who you are, but this is Earl Spencer here from Althorpe Hall.” The gent was in fact the grandfather of the late Princess Diana, who until that today, had been an excellent customer. Oddly enough, my Dad didn’t see him much ever again. I wonder why.