a Bergs Potter Journal post

From Clay to Craft: The Art of Bergs Potter Terracotta

What makes terracotta flower pots so special? How do they go from raw Tuscan clay to timeless companions for your plants? What defines a high-quality terracotta pots and planters, and how can you tell the difference? From shaping methods passed down for generations to the slow firing process that brings out their strength, this text explores the craftmanship behind Bergs Potter’s terracotta pots. Discover the material, the methods, and the meticulous care that makes these pots not only functional but crafted to last for generations.

The rich Italian soil beneath golden wheat and olive trees has been the base for one of Italy’s oldest crafts for a millennium. A craft which the Italians only refer to with the greatest of respect and love: ‘La terra cotta a mano‘ – ‘The baked earth, made by hand’. The clay used for Bergs Potter is certified Galestro clay, Italy’s most exclusive and durable clay rich in life-giving minerals like iron, magnesium, and silica.

What Is Terracotta?

The word terracotta comes from Italian and means ‘baked earth’. It describes unglazed, fired clay that has been transformed into durable, natural objects, such as pots, sculptures, and tiles.

At Bergs Potter, terracotta pots are more than just vessels. They are made from premium clay, sourced in Tuscany, and shaped by skilled artisans into timeless designs that allow plants to thrive.

But what makes terracotta truly special? To understand its beauty and function, let’s look back to the tradition that shaped it.

The Tradition of Terracotta

The beauty of nature

For over a thousand years, terracotta has been central to Italian craftsmanship. Passed down through generations, the art of ‘la terra cotta fatta a mano’ – baked earth, made by hand – honours the relationship between nature and tradition.

The Galestro clay used for Bergs Potter pots comes from the hills of Tuscany. Rich in minerals, it has the perfect balance of poriosity allowing water retention and breathability, providing plants with the ideal environment to grow.

Today, Bergs Potter continues this tradition, combining time-honoured methods with thoughtful design to create pots that are built to last.

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The essence of nature and tradition: Galestro clay, rich in minerals and sourced from the hills of Tuscany, provides the perfect balance of breathability and water retention – an ideal foundation for thriving plants.

Master craftsmanship brought to life: A skilled artisan works with handmade plaster moulds, preserving centuries-old traditions that shape each terracotta pot with care and precision.

How Are Premium Terracotta Pots Produced?

The creation of a Bergs Potter terracotta pot is an intricate process, where traditional craftsmanship and precision meet.

1. Shaping the Clay

Step one: Wheel-Throwing

For some of our pots and vases, the process begins on the potter’s wheel. Skilled artisans shape the clay with precision and patience, centring it before pulling the walls into form. The steady hand of the artisan ensures each pot is unique yet balanced and strong.

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Keeping an ancient craft alive – skilled hands shape timeless wheel-thrown pots, honouring generations of tradition and artistry.

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Shaping tradition: Our Københavner pot is pressed from premium clay in a mechanical press, then carefully removed by hand to ensure its perfect form.

Step two: Pressing Moulds

The majority of our designs rely on handmade plaster moulds, crafted with care to achieve consistent shapes and intricate details. Once ready, the mould is pressed mechanically into the clay. The formed pot is then removed by hand to avoid imperfections, and its edges are trimmed with precision to create a flawless finish.

Step three: Hand-Sculpting

For largest or more intricate designs, the process begins with skilled artisans shaping hundreds of kilos of premium clay entirely by hand. This labour-intensive method allows for the creation of large, robust pots. The artisan’s touch ensures that each curve, edge, and detail is precisely formed, resulting in pots that not only echo traditional craftsmanship but also stand the test of time.

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Hand-sculpting our largest pots: Clay is carefully pressed into large moulds to shape the Campana pot, combining strength, precision, and artistry.

Images from the workshops

Art of Bergs Potter terracotta pots. Tradition, craftsmanship, and premium Galestro clay from Tuscany. Terracotta pottery. — A selection of the craftsman’s tools for ornamentation. The sponge are used to ensure smooth surfaces for an excellent finish. The right tools means everything.

Handmade plaster moulds. Used to shape Julie saucers. Bergs Potter production — Handmade plaster moulds in the making: These moulds, used to shape our Julie saucers, require careful attention. Over time, they wear out and need replacing – especially the most intricate and ornamented ones, which demand frequent renewal to ensure perfect precision.

Bergs Potter terracotta pots. Broken in the process. Premium galestro clay from tuscany — Nothing goes to waste: Broken, unfired pots are carefully recycled by mixing them with fresh clay or water. This process honours nature's resources, ensuring every ounce of the premium clay is used to its fullest potential.

Art of Bergs Potter terracotta pots. Tradition, craftsmanship, and premium Galestro clay from Tuscany. Hancrafted pottery — The Piccolina pot, on the other hand, is brought to life on the pottery wheel. The steady hand of the artisan carefully carved out the beautiful ornamentation of vertical lines on the short pot, creating a true work of art that is both stunning and functional.

Art of Bergs Potter terracotta pots. Hand trimming as final adjustments to each Københavner pot, highest standards of detail — A delicate touch: Hand trimming adds the final adjustments to each Københavner pot, ensuring the highest standards of detail and design before firing.

Bergs Potter Galestro Clay pots/saucers. Shown from the factory — Even clay trimmings are collected and recycled info new shapes

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Rows of Københavner pots are carefully left to dry, allowing the clay to settle and strengthen before they begin their final journey into the kiln.

2. Drying

Once shaped, each pot is carefully left to rest and dry slowly. This meticulous process allows the clay to firm up naturally and prepares it for the intense heat of the kiln. Proper drying is essential – if not handled with care, the pot may crack or deform during firing.

The drying time depends on the pot’s size and the surrounding temperature, as clay reacts sensitively to both. Larger pots require more time, while fluctuating conditions can further complicate the process. Clay has a memory, meaning any small bump or impact during drying will reappear as a flaw in the firing stage.

The drying process is a fine balance. All sides of the pot must dry evenly to avoid warping, demanding patience, precision, and experience to ensure the final shape remains perfect. This careful handling honours the craft and maintains the integrity of each handmade piece.

3. Firing in the Kiln

After thorough drying, the pots undergo a slow and carefully monitored firing process. The temperature is gradually increased to approximately 1050°C (1922°F), with the exact peak temperature and duration tailored to the specific size and thickness of each piece. This gradual heating allows for the safe release of residual moisture and prevents cracking. The entire firing cycle can span from several hours to multiple days, depending on the dimensions and complexity of the pots. Rushing this stage or firing at insufficient temperatures can lead to inferior products that lack the necessary strength and resilience. Therefore, the slow and controlled firing process is essential to achieve the desired quality and longevity of terracotta pots.

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A careful puzzle: Our Lucca pots are tightly packed before firing to optimise kiln space. After being slow-fired at high temperatures, they emerge strong, durable, and ready to stand the test of time.

Subtle variations, small fingerprints, or minor marks may remain – signs of the artisan’s touch and proof of their handmade quality.

Fresh from the kiln and ready to ship – our large Campana pots stand tall in handcrafted terracotta, ready to bring timeless beauty to homes and gardens.

Watertight Saucers

Practical and Beautiful

While Bergs Potter pots remain unglazed to allow for natural breathability, each comes with a waterproof saucer. Treated with a silicone-based solution after being fired, these saucers prevent leaks, making the pots ideal for indoor use. The watertight saucers not only protect surfaces but complement the design of the pots, ensuring a harmonious pairing of function and beauty. Together, they bring elegance and practicality to any space.

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Saucers fresh from their dip – treated with a subtle silicone solution to ensure waterproof durability without compromising their timeless terracotta beauty.

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Helena, Simona and Københavner pots.

Rings like a bell

Test the Quality of your Terracotta Pot

A high-quality terracotta pot will ‘ring like a bell’ when gently tapped. This clear, ringing sound indicates that the pot has been fired correctly at high temperatures, ensuring its strength and durability. In contrast, a low-quality pot will sound dull or flat, suggesting it is underfired and more prone to cracks or damage.

Made to Live for Generations

A Bergs Potter terracotta pot is not just a container for plants; it’s a promise of quality, sustainability, and timeless design. From the first touch of clay to the final firing, every pot carries the heritage of Italian craftsmanship. With proper care, these pots will stand the test of time — offering plants a home for years to come and bringing a touch of nature’s beauty into any space. For tips on caring for your pots through the seasons, explore our Care Guide Section.

Photo: The Bergs Potter stamp – a mark of premium quality and timeless craftsmanship, designed to live on for generations.

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A curious visitor inspecting the freshly crafted Københavner pots – timeless charm approved by all.

Labour of Love

From the rich clay of Tuscany to the hands of skilled artisans, every Bergs Potter terracotta pot is a celebration of nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. Each piece is made with the belief that plants — and the pots they call home — bring life to our spaces and remind us of the simple beauty of the natural world.

Why Use a Terracotta Pot?

Terracotta is more than a material – it’s a natural partner for plants. Here are some of the reasons why Bergs Potter terracotta pots stand out:

Breathability.
The porosity of premium clay allows air and moisture to circulate, preventing waterlogging and root rot.

Minimises Overwatering.
Excess moisture evaporates through the clay, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Temperature Regulation.
Terracotta’s natural insulating properties regulate soil temperature, keeping roots cool in summer and warm in winter.

Durability.
Slow fired at high temperatures, the pots are exceptionally strong.

Frost Strong.
Properly fired terracotta can withstand frost when cared for correctly. Use pot feet to keep pots elevated, ensuring they drain well in colder months.

Sustainability.
Made from natural clay and free from chemical treatments, the pots are eco-friendly and kind to plants.

Timeless Beauty.
Over time, the pots develop a unique patina, enhancing their character and beauty.

Indoor or Outdoor.
Whether indoors or outdoors, Bergs Potter pots combine practicality with enduring style, offering plants the very best home.

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Words and photos: Bergs Potter.
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