Frequently Asked Questions

Where does your clay come from?  We blend it ourselves from grey stoneware clay, porcelain clay and a few other ingredients that will enable it to take temperatures up to 1300 degrees Centigrade (2372 degrees F.)  It’s mostly "Spavin" or "Seat earth" clay, from between the coal seams, and was laid down three hundred and ten million years ago!

What temperature do you fire to?  First firing (biscuit) 1050°C…. second firing (glaze) between 1280 and 1300°C, depending on the position in the kiln.

Are your pots porous?  Definitely not!…at our temperatures, both the clay and the glaze is fully vitrified

Will the colours wash off?  No, the colouring oxides are bonded to the clay in the first firing, and are underneath the glaze.  To get to the colour you have to break the pot!

Do your jugs pour well?  Do me a favour!…I’ve been making jugs for thirty-five years.  They are the best pourers you’ll see!…don’t confuse us with the many "night-school" potters, who seem to be setting up everywhere!

Are your casseroles ovenproof?  Up to 1300° Celsius!

How long are the pots in the kiln?  First firing, 2 days, second firing, 3 days.

Can I have a piece of clay, please?  Yes!

Does the cat ever break anything?  Just wind!

Have you been here all your life?  Not yet!

Do you enjoy your job still?  Yes, apart from all the daft questions!