Drongan Pottery

The Drongan Pottery works were located on the Drongan estate where large deposits of clay were readily available and where the nearby coal mines could provide ready fuel for the kilns. The clay formed rich, red earthenware and was suitable for the manufacture of dairy vessels, domestic items such as teapots, chimney pots, drainage pipes and flower pots. It was one of several works set up in the area in the 18th century (others included Stevenson, Sorn and Cumnock). The works at Drongan were certainly in operation by 1790. Not many of their early pots survive as they were renowned for being easily broken.

By 1832 the works had been modernised, and due to the close proximity of the raw materials, they could produce their wares both quickly and cheaply. As a result their vessels were commonplace throughout Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway and markets soon opened up throughout Scotland with huge amounts being transported to Glasgow and the Highlands. Soon after a lucrative export trade to America further established Drongan as a centre for pottery production worldwide. It was at this time that they started production of black or brown glazed ranges including a new kind of flowerpot which was much favoured by gardeners due to its increased drainage and shape which aided repotting, and which closely resembles the type which are still common today. The works stopped production around 1870-80.

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