"Beth Tarling pursued a truck for miles to ask the driver if she could purchase his terracotta pot, resulting in her amassing her ideal collection."
Uncovering the History and Charm of Richard Sankey & Son's Handthrown Terracotta Flowerpots
In the heart of Nottinghamshire lies a captivating collection, meticulously curated by Mrs. Tarling. This collection is none other than a complete set of every size of pot that was handthrown by the renowned Richard Sankey & Son.
Established in the 1850s, Sankey was not just any ordinary pottery. As Royal Warrant holders and the largest producers of handthrown clay pots in the world, they played a significant role in the horticultural revolution of the late 18th century. The explosion of interest in new plants and plant collecting made pots essential for transport, and Sankey's terracotta flowerpots became an indispensable companion for garden enthusiasts.
The pots in Mrs. Tarling's collection are ordinary, everyday terracotta flowerpots, far from being early Dutch porcelain or French lead planters. They represent a simpler, yet significant era in horticulture. One of the most intriguing pieces in her collection is the No 1 pot, the largest size thrown using the entire lump or 'cast'. It's the hardest to find, making it a rare and coveted find for collectors.
The No 1 pot isn't the only unique piece in Mrs. Tarling's collection. The smallest pots, the thumb (for tomato seedlings) and thimble pots (for starting cauliflower), although not numbered, are equally fascinating. These tiny terracotta vessels played a crucial role in the cultivation of plants, providing the perfect environment for seedlings to grow.
Identifying a Sankey & Son pot can be a challenging yet rewarding task. While these pots may not bear obvious maker's marks, they often exhibit subtle throwing rings or ridges, a testament to their handcrafted nature. Their unique variations in shape, size, and texture, along with their heavier, more robust feel compared to mass-produced pots, make them easily recognisable to those in the know.
For more precise history and identification, consulting specialist antique pottery references, local historical societies in pottery-producing regions, or collector groups focused on terracotta horticultural ware would be recommended. Although Richard Sankey & Son is not mentioned in major 1914 business directories, their contribution to the world of horticulture remains undeniable.
Mrs. Tarling, a dedicated collector of vintage flowerpots for the past 10 years, resides in Gunwalloe on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Her favourite flowerpot is one made in Somerset, a testament to the wide-ranging appeal of these historical pieces.
The pot collections and rare finds at Garden Cottage, where Mrs. Tarling's collection is housed, are always popular with visitors. As we delve deeper into the world of horticulture and antique terracotta flowerpots, it's clear that the legacy of Richard Sankey & Son continues to inspire and captivate.
- The captivating collection of handthrown terracotta flowerpots at Garden Cottage, curated by Mrs. Tarling, embodies the lifestyle appreciation for home-and-garden and horticulture.
- As a reflection of the fashion-and-beauty trends of the late 18th century, the terracotta flowerpots from Richard Sankey & Son were not only essential for transporting plants but also played a significant role in travel, as garden enthusiasts sought exotic species.
- In the world of food-and-drink, these historical handthrown terracotta flowerpots contributed to cultivating the perfect environment for seedlings, essential for the growth of various crops and plants.
