One of the communities we passed recently was Stoke on Trent. It is the pottery center of England, manufacturing fine china by makers such as Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, Minton, to name but a few.
There is even a factory store where they give you direct from the manufacturer prices. Mike and I went there and looked at all the beautiful china and crystal.
Waterford crystal is in the factory store here, although it is manufactured in Ireland, because
"Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton." are now part of one big family being administered by the same company. Sell one, sell them all.
It is mind boggling to look at crystal bowls that cost over $10,000! Woe be unto the poor pet or child that knocks that off the table and breaks it. They might as well leave home then and there with plans to emigrate to Australia or such. :-)
To the right is my pick for the perfect gift for an individual with discriminating taste in Scotch and in china. A Wedgwood decanter for his or her single malt scotch. If Glenfiddich is not their brand I will volunteer to take the scotch off their hands and they can refill it with the brand of their choice. (Such sacrifices I make so that people have the perfect gift. :-) )
On the way into Stoke on Trent, in the town of Barlaston is the factory where Wedgewood is made. They give factory tours and have a museum. Mike did the tour and came back with lots of interesting tid bits.
The one that I found fascinating is that pieces of Wedgewood that break when fired or that are flawed are ground up and used as part of the mixture making up the roads of this part of England! Who knew!
I will never look at a road in the same way again.
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