A Little Bit About our Ceramics Suppliers

There is something about the journey a pot makes from a humble lump of soft clay to its final fired form: the process of being coaxed by the hands of a potter and their wheel, through the incredible science behind glazing and firing and all the moments in between where some slight tweak could alter the look of the finished piece. The ceremonial kiln opening to reveal something beautiful or useful, or (even better) both. It feels poetic. Have you ever thought about the journey your piece of pottery makes before it gets into your hands? If you have an eye on the sustainability and want to support British craftsmanship, then read on to find out why it is important to choose well in this area. 

I have managed to coax a few local ceramicists to produce limited runs of home fragrance related pottery for the Stowsmiths brand. These collaborations have become a lovely small part of the company. The arrival of ceramics to my studio are my favourite wow moments. 

The idea to collaborate came first came on a walk through the fields around Chipping Norton with Polly of Bliss Mill Studios. We had both recently had a change of career direction and started businesses whilst having young families. On these walks we bounced ideas off each other, and I persuaded Polly to produce a first run of wax burners and match pots for me. At the time wax burners were very popular but there were hardly any beautiful ones on the market that would look pretty or stylish. Same too with match pots. I didn't want cheap, shiny glazed pots but beautiful textured organic forms that would sit well in any home.

Once Polly and I have talked through the designs for a run, the most important consideration is what would fit into Polly's schedule (she is hugely in demand for her restaurant ceramics). Everything is made in her studio in Chipping Norton meaning that the delivery is the shortest part of the process. There is no excessive packaging, just bakery crates carried ceremoniously down the road to be unpacked and laid out in my store room. Stockroom shelves full of neat lines of ceramics is a simple pleasure and yes, I often just stand and admire them.

Now that I have dipped my toe into the retail world and peaked behind the delivery curtain, the simple act of delivery might seem inconsequential but if you are interested in sustainability it is an important part of a retail business. I have witnessed deliveries of ceramics bought cheaply from factories in China but made to have an 'artisan' feel and delivered in boxes of polystyrene (yes, this horrifies me too). If you are buying genuine local ceramics wherever you are, chances are they arrive like mine do wrapped in only what paper packaging is necessary to avoid breakages.

I grew up in Derbyshire, near the famous pottery Denby that is sadly closing its doors this year. When I find Denby pieces in second hand shops I often pick them up because it is a connection to home. I have a Langley jug that I take to markets to decorate my stand, and a simple old ink bottle that I use as a reed diffuser bottle in my hall. With Denby closing its doors as it struggles to keep going in a market flooded with cheap imports, we need small businesses like Polly's more than ever to keep this craftmanship alive. Having peeked behind the curtain of the ceramics industry in some small way I try to avoid where possible buying fake artisan products and try to spot the genuine crafted pieces when I am browsing for gifts. Ask the shop owner where something is made if you are unsure. If they confidently talk to you about the product this is a good sign.

Polly of Bliss Mill Studio is in demand with the restaurant side of her business, and so  her ceramic runs for us are only ever available as limited runs. I have included here a history of our short working relationship in pots. If you ever see them on my stall or in the Burford shop my advice would be to snap them up. Ask me about them too. 

Polly's ceramics are simple in design, textures with smooth hand thrown sides. we currently have wax burners, match pots and tealight holders. I hope they bring as much joy to your home as they bring me.