TRIBUTES have been paid to Sir Richard Bailey, one of the leading lights of the English pottery industry, who has died at the age of 87.
Sir Richard was at the helm of some of North Staffordshire's most famous brands at a time when the area dominated world markets.
He was managing director of the Royal Doulton Group when it included names such as Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Royal Albert, Paragon and Ridgway as well as Royal Doulton itself.
Until very late in life he was a high-profile figure in the community, passionate about helping Stoke-on-Trent's residents and businesses.
Born in 1923 at Congleton, Sir Richard served in the Royal Navy from 1942 to 1946.
He joined Doulton Fine China in Burslem as technical director in 1955 and he became managing director of Royal Doulton in 1963.
When Pearson bought Doulton and Co in 1972, Sir Richard led the merger which resulted in a group with more than 10,000 employees worldwide and factories in each of the six towns.
He was awarded a CBE for services to exports in 1977 and he became executive chairman of Royal Doulton in 1980.
A devoted family man, Sir Richard is survived by wife Marcia, four children, 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sir Richard's son, John, said: "We are so fortunate to have had as a father, grandfather, and great grandfather someone who was a consummate people person.
"He always had time for everyone, had the ability to understand other views, and was remarkably tolerant.
"He provided us all with a role model of the power of love, caring and service."
Service to the pottery industry included being chairman of the National Joint Council for the Ceramics Industry, president of the British Ceramic Society, director and chairman of British Ceramic Research, vice president of the Pottery and Glass Trades' Benevolent Institution and a founder trustee of the Pottery Industry Preservation Trust.
Sir Richard, who lived at Oulton, near Stone, founded enterprise support agency Business Initiative, and from 1987 to 1994, he chaired the Stoke-on-Trent Community Partnership.
Other positions over the years include president of the North Staffordshire Medical Institute, honorary fellow of Staffordshire University, council member of Keele University, president of Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Theatre, president of the North Staffs branch of the Sail Training Association and honorary freeman of the City of Stoke-on-Trent.
His lifelong commitment to the area, the pottery industry and its people was recognised with a knighthood in 1984.
Friends and family have been paying tribute to Sir Richard since his death earlier this week.
Former Royal Doulton director Lady Ann Fender said: "Richard Bailey inspired our generation to serve and love the products and people of Stoke-on-Trent.
"We have lost a special person but the heritage of service, leadership and caring remain."
Former Doulton company secretary Mike Worthington said: "He was superb – very thoughtful, very patient and very, very fair."
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