The Art of Terracotta
Family craft
To make a finished Vaso Toscano terracotta pot by hand, is a remarkably lengthy process, the perfect ratio of powdery clay and water are blended.
Once fully combined, small amounts of clay are used at a time, as working by hand is a slower process and this prevents the clay from dying out. The craftsmen use the traditional method of shaping the clay by hand, pressing into to the ancient moulds. The pots are then left to air dry slowly, this allows the clay to ‘shrink’ a little before the mould is removed and they are then wheeled to another room for further drying with warmer air.
When ready, the pots are moved into the kiln and fired, it takes two days for the temperature to build to a 1000 degrees. Once the temperature has stabilised they are cooked for another 12 hours, two days later they are removed and doused with water to help remove the excess lime and cool rapidly. This whole, amazing process takes approximately six weeks from start to finish. The combination of high temperature firing, superior clay and excellent craftmanship means our pots will be frost proof and withstand extremes of temperatures.
Creating our Vaso Toscano terracotta pots is a labour of love, steeped in tradition and skill
Earth Wind and Fire
Galestro clay, is considered to be the finest terracotta clay, it is extracted from an area around the small town of Impruneta, near Florence. Impruneta is very famous all over Italy and the rest of the world for the quality of its terracotta pots.
Terracotta pots from Impruneta are distinct by their soft pinky–red colour and slight grainy texture, this is due to the clay’s makeup of limestone marls and flaky clays which contain a high iron oxide and calcium salt content. This natural recipe means the finished terracotta is superbly porous and very tough, which is imperative for our UK climate.
We also source a a range of pots from a delightful family run pottery near Siena where they make superior pots from the local clay and produce all the pots and vases by hand, these pots are chosen for their classic elegance and traditional Italian design.
