TRIBUTES have been paid to a designer whose iconic images brought stylish tableware into everyday 1950s homes.
Enid Seeney, later Enid Kelsall, created the famous 'Homemaker' design that became so popular it helped keep several pottery factories in business.
The black and white pattern featured furniture and other domestic items flying across the surface of the plates.
Pieces sold for as little as sixpence in Woolworth's, meaning post-war families could afford the modern designs.
Enid was proud of the Homemaker range right up until her death at the age of 79, on April 8, in Devon, after a short battle with motor neurone disease.
Her second husband Bob Kelsall met her when they both worked at the Paladin Works, in Fenton, which was part of Ridgway Potteries.
The 75-year-old, who lives in Devon, but grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, described Enid as his "soul mate".
He said: "She was very original, in lots of ways, throughout her life. She was a fun-loving person.
"Even with the illness, she was looking forward to what would have been her 80th birthday in June."
Enid moved to Stoke-on-Trent when she landed a place at Burslem School of Art. She completed her training at the Spode Copeland design studio.
The Homemaker design was created for Ridgway and made in several different factories from 1957 to 1970. The pieces are collectors' items today.
One collector is Ray Johnson, a documentary filmmaker and professor at Staffordshire University. He made a film about the design to coincide with its 50th anniversary, in 2007.
Ray, aged 64, from Hanford, said: "When you see the 1950s remembered in magazines, you will often find the Homemaker design.
"The pottery included plates, cups, tureens, and teapots. Each piece had a slightly different range of items on it."
Pottery historian Simon Moss, based in Gloucestershire, added: "The Homemaker was a design icon in itself, but it also featured iconic bits of furniture on it. There was Robin Day's reclining armchair and a sofa with spots on it.
"Today, you can pick up a 10-inch plate for about �10 at an antique sale. The rare pieces are worth considerably more, reaching four figures."
Enid, who moved to Devon several decades ago, also created other well-known designs, including the 'Samoa' and 'English Garden'.
She leaves behind husband Bob and her son from her first marriage Mark. Enid tragically lost her daughter at the age of 16 in a car accident.
Enid's funeral will take place at Torquay Crematorium on Tuesday, May 3 at 11.15am.
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