With over three decades in the pottery industry, Mikeala’s career tells the story of skill, dedication and craft passed down through years of hands-on experience. Having joined Burleigh fourteen years ago, she is one of a small group of highly skilled transferrers responsible for applying Burleigh’s iconic patterns by hand. In this Q&A, Mikeala shares her journey through the potteries, what her role involves day to day, and what keeps her passion for the craft alive.
Can you tell us a little about your career journey and how you came to work at Burleigh?
I started my career journey in 1988 in the pottery industry at Denby for about 7 years as a bonder and gloster, then moved on to Wade Ceramics for about 14 years doing a variety of jobs including machine pressing, fettling and sponging, packing and many more. Then a short spell on Portmeirion, which led me to an agency which supplied operatives to Burleigh Pottery.
How long have you been at Burleigh, and what was your very first role when you started?
I have been at Burleigh Pottery for 14 years and my first role was transferring. I then trained as a printer, before taking the role as a supervisor on the shop floor, also helping out in the factory with other roles, i.e. fettling, sponging and cup handling.
What does your current role as a transferrer involve, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My role as a transferrer is to apply the print to a variety of ceramic products for decoration using a selection of tools and soft soap. A typical day would be physically hard work, sometimes frustrating, but rewarding to see the finished product.
You’re one of only 12 people in the world who can do this job — how did that come about, and what does that mean to you personally?
After being placed into role through an agency and going through my training period, I now have the skill that is unique to me and am proud to be one of that 12.
What do you love most about your role at Burleigh?
I’ve enjoyed the transition from transferrer to printer and also taking on my supervisor role.
Do you enjoy the challenge of working with new pattern placements, and how do you approach something unfamiliar?
Yes, I enjoy new patterns to apply to the ware. It gives a variation to the daily task of the job and I apply previous methods of applying print to new designs, I really enjoy the challenge.
Do you have a favourite Burleigh product or pattern — and why does it stand out to you?
I enjoy working with all the different shapes, as each one has different challenges to applying the print. Burleigh has lots of different patterns and the one that sticks out the most to me is Black Regal Peacock, as I think the black and white look great together.
What’s been a highlight of your time at Burleigh so far?
One of my highlights of working at Burleigh is being lucky enough to meet all the guests and celebrities that have come to visit, my favourite was when the Ralph Lauren team came to the factory.
Finally, what advice would you give to other women considering a career in craft or manufacturing?
My advice to other women who are considering a career in craft or manufacturing is to be prepared for challenging days, hard work, years learning skills where one job can lead to another, and it's one way of earning a living which, hopefully, you can enjoy.
