Andrey and Elena
Oryol Ceramic Factory

Since ancient times in the Oryol region, local residents used clay to sculpt cubans and krynoks. At first, these were simple and unpretentious products. Gradually, each master introduced something of his own into the form of the product and decorated it to his own taste. And at the end of the XIX century, a certain merchant Kandybin, appreciating the art of local craftsmen, decided to organize the production of cubans and flower pots from local clays.

At first, the production technology was primitive: the products were produced by drawing on a potter's wheel, which rotated from the worker’s foot. The firing was also carried out by the old-fashioned method, i.e., firewood was prepared, and firing was carried out in a primitive furnace.

Gradually, local products and clays became interested in specialists. Clay survey works began, their properties were studied. In parallel, work was carried out to search for new compositions of glazes and improve their properties. Glazes have long been used to improve the appearance and consumer qualities of products.

In 1961, the company departed from the production of household utensils and began to produce only artistic ceramics.

Initially, the factory was called "Artel", and since 1961 it changed its name to "Oryol Factory of Ceramic Products". During the years of perestroika, it became Orelkeramika LLP, and later, Orelkeramika CJSC.

Every year the production technology has been improved, and new art forms of products are being developed. Production at the factory began with the simplest vases for painting, lids, jugs, etc. New types of products were gradually mastered.

Production was stopped from 1998 to 2009. In 2009, the Syromyatnikov family of potters rented areas and produced both well-known products and their own designs until 2014. After the lapse of time, they opened their own production on their territory. The furnaces and workshops were disbanded by the owner and put into rent under a different type of activity. The factory ceased to exist.
Today Elena Syromyatnikova is a member of the Union of Artists of the Russian Federation. She is also related to the UNESCO Federation.