"The ovens are the most important part of the potter's plant, and it is on their successful management that the results of the business will largely depend."  Ernest Albert Sandeman, 1901 

"The pottery kilns and ovens ... without these great bottles of heat, there would be no Potteries. They represent the very heart and soul of the district."  J. B. Priestly, English Journey 1934

"The actual operations of the fireman and his assistants are obviously vital factors in successful oven practice."  Stanley R. Hind, 1937

"...when admiring a piece of fine pottery, spare a grateful thought for the fireman.” Robert Copeland, 2009

"From these huge, filthy, curious brick-built and iron-strapped structures came the most exquisite, delicate and utterly beautiful pottery in the world." Anon, 2018