THIRTY NINE people have lost their jobs after an arm of an historic ceramics manufacturer announced it was going into liquidation.

Architectural Terracotta Ltd, formerly Shaws of Darwen Ltd, made the announcement following ‘unforeseen trading difficulties’.

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A remaining firm, Shaws Since 1897 Ltd, which produces kitchen sinks and rented part of the same factory, has not been affected and will continue to trade.

The firm, which is based in Waterside, Darwen is famed for working on a number of prestigious projects including the restoration of the Albert Hall and work on the Hackney Empire, replacing terracotta designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham in 1900.

Other projects that the company has been involved in include a large scale renovation contract at the Natural History Museum.

The original Shaws of Darwen, which was founded in 1897, split its manufacturing between fireclay Belfast sinks and architectural terracotta in 2009 creating new companies.

Directors of Architectural Terracotta Ltd were instructed by David Rubin & Partners to begin an insolvent liquidation process on May 1.

Asher Miller is the insolvency partner for David Rubin and Partners who is looking after the liquidation.

He said: “The company has no money to trade so it will not be sold as a going concern.

“The staff have been informed they will be made redundant.

“My office has contacted all the creditors of Architectural Terracotta Ltd and they have been invited to a meeting on Monday where measures will be put in place to liquidate the company.”

David Dare, managing director of Shaws Since 1897 Ltd, issued a statement saying: “On May 1, David Rubin & Partners were instructed by the Directors of Architectural Terracotta Ltd (formerly Shaws of Darwen Ltd) to begin an insolvent liquidation process due to unforeseen trading difficulties. Thirty nine employees were unfortunately made redundant.”