The chairman of the world famous art pottery firm, Hugh Edwards, was in Orange on Friday to meet local collectors at Duntryleague.

More than 100 people attended the event, which included a demonstration of the painting and tube-lining process by Moorcroft’s Lesley Cartlidge and the launch of a range of designs inspired by Australian flora and fauna.

Moorcroft pottery has been available in Orange since September last year, when Second Chance Collectables became the only licensed dealer west of the Blue Mountains.

Owner Karen Blacklow said the pottery had enjoyed great success in Orange so far.

“We wanted to be able to introduce a product that has not been available in Orange. We’re getting a lot of new people, as well as existing owners coming back. People are amazed when they see it for the first time,” she said.

There has been a worldwide resurgence in Moorcroft’s popularity under the stewardship of Hugh Edwards, who sold the 612 pieces in his collection more than 20 years ago to help save the company.

Every piece is made by hand and painted by hand, just as it was when the factory was established by William Moorcroft in 1913.

New pieces range in price from $170 to $10,000 and they are expected to appreciate in value.

Even in tough financial times, Mrs Blacklow said there was still a demand for the beautiful objects.

“They are seen as a genuine investment. People are buying them for investments and wanting to leave them for children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, but they also want to be able to enjoy them,” she said.