When you next find yourself with time on your hands, idly browsing through the ceramic selection at one of the National Trust outlets, the well-stocked shop at Blenheim Palace, or perhaps even London's world-famous Fortnum & Mason store, do take a closer look at the inscription on the pieces.

There's a fair chance you will find that the delicate hand-painted lampbase or bright multi-coloured mug you have just picked up has been produced by one of Oxfordshire's highly-successful potteries.

Set in a stunning rural location, Aston Pottery, near Bampton, was founded in 1990 by husband and wife team, Jane and Stephen Baughan, with the criteria of designing and producing a range of kitchen, gift and tableware for everyday use.

These days, ceramics from this delightful treasure trove are sold to a wide range of well-respected outlets in the United Kingdom and further afield to admiring customers in America and Japan.

Meanwhile, Deborah Sears, who launched Horton-cum-Studley-based company Isis Ceramics in 1988, finds her work also very much in demand.

Indeed, last year she was elated to receive a call from Blenheim Palace commissioning her to create a collection of pieces, including a large jar depicting the Palace's rich and intriguing history.

"That was a wonderful privilege and quite a lovely thing to be asked to do," she said.

These ceramicists had little idea that their potteries would become such success stories when they took their first tentative steps into the business world. "After working in an artisan's workshop called The Old Toffee Factory in South Oxford, I moved to here to an old sheep shed to expand Isis Ceramics," Deborah said .

"Over the years I've developed a studio of artists whose high level of craftsmanship is dedicated to the pursuit of hand-produced and hand-painted designs that express the spontaneity and character of the human spirit. Seven of us work here now.

"Our patterns and shapes are in keeping with the spirit of 17th and 18th-century England. We create anything from planters and jars, to tea-sets and bespoke quality dinner services.

"The business has grown slowly, but we have wonderful clients. Recently, I have discovered an increasing number of opportunities to develop the custom design work which is very exciting.

"We all love what we do here because it is a mixture of fine art and craftsmanship. However, it is hard work and requires a lot of skill and concentration."

Former builder Stephen Baughan is equally passionate about his ceramics business in Aston, and the impressive way it has evolved over the years.

"Since Aston Pottery started we've taught ourselves everything, step-by-step along the way. The design for one of our first ranges Wild Blue Clematis, was inspired by the clematis I spotted years ago while working on a roof at the Post Office in Aston.

"I just liked the leaf, flower and bud and the way it weaved like ivy. The range was a great success and has remained a bestseller ever since. I guess it was like having a hit record at the start of your career,"

Stephen laughed.

Over the last 18 years, the company has grown beyond the Baughan's wildest dreams. Today, Aston Pottery employs 25 people and produces more than 120 different patterns on 45 different shapes of domestic ware from cups to sugar bowls.

An award-winning gift shop provides an ideal showcase for the pottery's products while customers are welcome to take a leisurely break in the coffee shop or stroll around the gardens. Plans are in hand to incorporate a restaurant and expand the schools' educational programme.

Customers who love the range, which features British birds, wildlife and flowers, include the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Trust, Royal Horticultural Society and Kelmscott Manor near Lechlade.

"I feel that we are doing something useful here. I'm very interested in history and the way that ceramics and pottery have survived through the ages," Stephen added.

"We consistently produce ware that is attractive and durable. It's not just something that is here today and gone tomorrow. It's a real link with the past."

Deborah, whose Isis Ceramics is based on the edge of Otmoor in an area containing many remnants of Medieval pottery, agreed.

"When we did our sheep shed conversion there was enough clay here to make pots for everyone in England!

"It's nice to feel that we have come full circle and that the business nestles on land that has such a tremendous heritage."