The Ashtead Pottery had a short life, being in business for just 12 years from 1923 to 1935. The factory was in the village of Ashtead in Surrey, England. It was set up with the aim of providing employment for disabled ex-servicemen and at its busiest it gave work to up to forty men.
The main driving force behind the creation of the company was Sir Lawrence Weaver, a highly influential man of the time. The company produced a vast array of wares, ranging from figures and commemoratives, designed by leading artists of the day, through to everyday crockery. The great depression, increased competition and the untimely death of Sir Lawrence led to eventual closure of the pottery in January of 1935.