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About us

About us

Welcome!

The SecureGrip special needs tableware range is the brainchild of Ceramic Designer Nathan Smallman. 

Ideas for the range began to germinate in 1985 during a three year course of study in Industrial Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University formerly North Staffs Polytechnic. 

The impetus for the range was a competition to "Design for the Elderly" which was sponsored by the Disabled Living Foundation in London.

With the help of his Aunt, who suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nathan set about solving the problems experienced when using a Teapot and Cup.

The designs were successful in reaching the final stages of the competition and the designer was encouraged to further his work.

This led to a dissertation research project "Kitchen Aids for Arthritics" which resulted in a BA Hons qualification.

The research, carried out with the aid of Occupational Therapists and Arthritis Sufferers, formed the understanding that apart from the functional requirements for tableware, the range had to be as much like everyday crockery as possible. This was in order to prevent people feeling conspicous when eating and drinking.

It was not until 1999 that the designer had the opportunity to develop the range commercially on setting up his own design and development company Sculpta Ceramics at the Roslyn Works in Stoke-on-Trent next door to the Gladstone Pottery Museum.