Description:H J Colclough's Vale pottery works stood in Goddard Street in Longton. Colclough's operated here from 1907, although the business dates back to 1897 and at one time they advertised themselves as "Britain's largest manufacturer of Bone China Teaware". They prided themselves on making bone china for everyday use. The company used the trade name Royal Vale following a factory visit and royal licence from King George V in 1913. From the mid 1950s they were part of the Ridgway Group of potteries and later Royal Doulton.
At the time of the photograph, the works were derelict, the range and the two "stack ovens" have been demolished. After closure the works had a number of users including a builders' merchants and a company making core plugs for shot firing in coal mines. The site is now housing.