Troika Pottery

Troika was based on the ground floor and originally took over the Powell and Wells Pottery.

Benny Sirota had the potting experience and Leslie Illsley had trained as a sculptor. Leslie concentrated on the design of moulded pieces and Benny experimented with surface textures and glazes and this unique combination led to the development of the smooth glossy finishes and textured surfaces that troika pottery is famous for.

Initial products developed from the tile and doorknob blanks left over from the Wells pottery, but Leslie quickly developed master moulds for teapots, coffee sets and mugs with floor and wall tiles coming along after.

They approached and formed a good relationship with Heals of London and this provided steady orders until around 1978.

In 1970, the Wheal Dream site was bought by the St Ives Council and Troika pottery moved to Fragden Place in Newlyn

Identifying Troika Pottery.

Almost all Troika pottery was made in moulds, with most items having one basic mould. Textured pieces had moulds with several different designs and decorators were given the freedom to modify textured moulds providing principal colour combinations were used.

Apart from the base mark the potential collector or buyer should ensure the following criteria are met;

• Is the piece made of moulded earthenware
• Does it have a textured surface
• Is it decorated with abstract designs
• Is it decorated in earthy, muted colours
• Does the shape fit and does it reflect cornish landscape influences
• Does it have a handpainted Troika base mark