Chessell Pottery began trading from a converted barn in Chessell on the Isle of Wight in May 1978. It was owned and run by John and Sheila Francis after their return from lecturing in Ceramics in Commonwealth Universities of East and West Africa. Their designs are based on close observations of the natural world. Coral gardens of the tropical African coasts, winged wind-borne seeds,cacti, pebbles, ferns and fungi are all used as inspiration for this unique porcelain. Every piece is made and decorated by hand and each is an individual work of art.