Biddy Cole died peacefully at home last month – and three generations of the Coles have been associated with Rye Pottery and its internationally known output.
Her husband Tarquin died last year and up until 2013 she had been managing director of the pottery with Tarquin as the creative and design director.
Son Josh told an entranced Rye Museum audience in 2017 about the pottery’s history (and that of his family) in a talk which featured some of the famous output (as shown in the top photo).
Biddy had two children and five grandchildren and was well known around the town, being treasurer of the farmers market at one point. No doubt others around the town will have many memories of her that they may wish to share.
Image Credits: Rye Pottery .
I’m so sorry to read about the death of Biddie Cole. More than once I emailed her from the US to request that items be shipped to me or set aside for pickup on my next visit to Rye. She was invariably helpful, and her emails were delightful, humorous and full of news about what was happening in the town. She was a treasure.
It was a source of great joy to both Tarquin and Biddy that 2 of their 3 children continue to run Rye Pottery which has been in the family since 1947. Biddy will be hugely missed -not only at the helm of both Rye Pottery and Rye Tiles, both highly regarded by customers from far and wide, but as a much loved member of a talented and united family, dear to us all in Rye.