The Best of Polish Pottery - We stock pieces from all four of the main potteries - Zaklady Ceramiczne, Ceramika Artystyczna, Wiza and Manufaktura. We have shops in Chichester & Lewes.

This distinctively styled, 'eye-spot' pottery has been produced in the Lower Silesian town of Boleslawiec (formerly known as Bunzlau) since the 1830's. The pattern on each piece is hand-decorated by a unique 'stempel' (hand stamping) technique using a shaped, sponge stamp. This style of decoration was known by German pottery masters as 'pfauenauge' (peacock eye).

One of the most enjoyable features of the Boleslawiec style of ceramics is the huge range of patterns. The best known are the peacock eye patterns which are associated with the German art nouveau (Jugenstil) movement.

If you've ever visited our shops, you'll know that we have more than the seven patterns shown on our web site. However, we do always have the main items of tableware in these seven patterns in stock - so you can be sure of getting additional (or replacement) pieces in the same patterns.

We like to describe Boleslawiec stoneware as 'made to be used'. A high kiln temperature and strong glaze results in a hard wearing finish that is completely impermeable and very durable. Everything is freezer, dishwasher, microwave, Aga and ovenproof.

Delivery takes up to 10 days. We have shops in Chichester (19A South St, PO19 1EJ, 01243 776594) & Lewes (The Needlemakers, West St, BN7 2NZ, 01273 483449). Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 5.30.

LEWES is famous for its variety of shops. Along the length of the High Street most shops are independent retailers. You will therefore find an unusually wide range of items - from contemporary designer goods to antiques - as well as a personable welcome.

See many layers of HISTORY in the picturesque town centre. The narrow lanes, or 'twittens', date from the time of Alfred the Great. The Norman Castle was built in 1066 after William the Conqueror's victory over the Saxon army at the Battle of Hastings. The knights' jousting ground is now a bowling green where Thomas Paine (champion of American Independence and author of 'The Rights of Man') relaxed between heated debates at the 'Headstrong Club'. You can also visit Anne of Cleves' House - a Tudor hall-house that was part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII. Near Lewes are Glyndebourne Opera and Charleston House - the Sussex home of the Bloomsbury artists.

In June 2006 we opened a second shop in CHICHESTER. It is near the Cathedral at 19A South Street; about 100 yards south of the Cross between 'White Stuff' and 'Ebony Jewellers' - and just across the road from the 'Maison Blanc' cafe.

Chichester's street layout and the old city walls are a legacy of the Romans and there are a host of historic buildings throughout the city centre - which is mostly traffic free (shown in GREY).

All the car parks (shown in BLUE) are within easy walking distance of our shop and the multi-storey car park - and the train and bus stations - are at Southgate (at the bottom of South Street).

Anna & Will Rogers started importing pottery from Boleslawiec in 1997. It comes by ship from the Baltic port of Gdynia - hence our name; Baltic Trader!