ONE of the largest pottery collections of its kind is coming up for auction early next year.

More than 200 pieces will be up for grabs at the decorative arts sale at Tennants of Leyburn, in North Yorkshire, on January 27.

The items were made at the short-lived Linthorpe Pottery, in Middlesbrough, which operated for ten years between 1879 and 1889.

Linthorpe Pottery was established by John Harrison, a Darlington businessman, on the site of the Sun Brickworks, at the suggestion of Dr Christopher Dresser.

Although Dr Dresser was the instigator of the venture, his involvement is very sketchily recorded, but he introduced Henry Tooth as the manager.

And, according to the Pottery Gazette, as Tooth had no experience of pottery manufacture he stopped off in Stoke-on-Trent to gain a rudimentary knowledge of the art.

Dresser contributed many designs to Linthorpe, but Harrison dispensed with his services in 1882, although the shapes designed by him continued.

John Harrison died in 1889 after a short illness and the pottery, which had never been profitable, was closed.

The collection for sale comes from the estate of a Middlesbrough man and individual pieces are expected to sell from about £100.

"It is best known for its diversity of shape, complex experimental glazes and its association with Dr Dresser," said a Tennants spokesman. "It appeals to collectors and interior designers today for all these reasons and also for its wonderful range and depth of colours."