Bristow Potteries is, in fact, a showcase of the talents of the Maltese artists who put so much love and dedication into every piece because no other piece will be the same as the one they are producing. This, along with effective management and a clear vision of the goals which need to be achieved, is what makes Bristow Potteries truly unique.

Bristow Potteries was originally acquired by the Grima family in 1972 from a couple, Mr and Mrs Bristow, who were already running their ceramics company. The Grimas ran their enterprise from a small nissen hut in Ta’ Qali until 1995 when, through their determination to take their company to another level, they managed to acquire the necessary

permits to build a larger factory in which to operate.

The project was divided into three phases because the company did not halt operations while the project was under way. The heavy investment in the project to improve the place which housed the company’s operations was followed by another vision: investing in new and more modern equipment which would improve the end product.

Between 2000 and 2002, Bristow Potteries changed all its equipment from British to Italian technology and in July 2002 the company began operating with its new machinery, thus giving the end-product a more Mediterranean look.

The company used, to its full extent, the expertise of several Italian companies such as Fornificola, to instil new work practices while using the new machinery. Four Italians were also brought to Malta to teach the Maltese employees how to use the new equipment.

The company has grown from strength to strength. After heavy investment in the factory, followed by further heavy investment in equipment, the obvious and most natural shift of focus was on to the product. Since the installation of the new equipment, the company has tried to vary the end product as much as possible, making it increasingly professional and of high quality.

What is truly unique about Bristow Potteries’ products is that there is not a single piece which is identical to another piece because each and every item is hand-painted, giving more artisan value to the end product.

The products range from landscape views painted on pottery to tableware, to ceramic tabletops, to custom-made dinner sets. Bristow Potteries also specialises in corporate products such as mementoes for conferences held in Malta and similar events.

The company recently opened a refreshment area where visitors can relax while appreciating the incredible talents of the Maltese artists hand-painting every product. The company also plans to set up a kids workshop, where children can experiment by creating their own ceramic works of art and will also be able to take it home with them. This concept would be ideal for school children.

Directors David and Brian Grima, who along with their brothers Adrian and Mark manage Bristow Potteries, said they are extremely proud of the great strides their company has made since its inception in 1972. They said they have clear plans for the future, aiming to have an established culture of ceramics within a couple of years.

In the near future, they said, the company will be employing more talented Maltese artists to work in their factory in order to have a more diversified selection of products from which their customers may choose.

David Grima said the company has received very positive comments from foreign firms who have expressed interest in their high-quality products. He said negotiations are

currently under way for Bristow Potteries to start exporting its products to European and American companies.

One of the people working in Bristow’s factory is Daniele Buschi, a 41-year-old Italian artist who comes to Malta every three months to teach and train the other employees. He also creates new, unique designs for products. Through Daniele’s help, the company is working on new, typically Maltese designs which sum up Maltese traditions from various aspects in order to attract the more discerning customer.

Between 19 and 21 November, the company is organising an open weekend for Maltese and tourists alike to visit and appreciate the hard work and talent of the Maltese artists at Bristow Potteries.

Apart from this, visitors can get new ideas for unique presents to give this Christmas. Children will also be able to produce their own ceramics to take home as a memento

of a memorable day spent at Bristow Potteries. The factory will be open from 10am onwards.