Whichford Pottery: Guardians of British Terracotta
“Whichford Pottery creates the world’s finest terracotta flowerpots. Based in a hidden Warwickshire valley, this family business refines its own clay on-site and hand-throws every single vessel, offering a famous 10-year frostproof guarantee that proves British craftsmanship can withstand even the harshest of winters.”
1. The Heritage
The pottery was founded in 1976 by Jim and Dominique Keeling with a specific mission: to rescue the dying art of British flowerpot making. Jim trained at Wrecclesham (one of the last country potteries) to learn the "grammar" of English clay.
Starting with just two apprentices in a friend’s barn, Whichford has grown into one of Europe’s leading hand-making workshops. Today, it remains a fierce family business, with Jim’s eldest son, Adam Keeling, leading the production team and ensuring these ancient throwing skills are passed down to a new generation.
2. The Location
Whichford Pottery is located in the village of Whichford, Warwickshire, on the edge of the Cotswolds. Unlike a closed industrial factory, this is a destination. The site is open to the public, allowing visitors to watch the potters at work in the studio. It is also home to The Straw Kitchen, their celebrated on-site café, and the Octagon Gallery. The entire operation is rooted in the landscape, with the pots designed and tested in the pottery’s own beautiful courtyard gardens.
3. The Difference
On-Site Clay Preparation: Uniquely, they do not buy ready-made clay. They process their own specific blend of three British clays (from Blockley, Ironbridge, and Suffolk) on-site. This recipe is engineered for maximum porosity (for plant health) and extreme durability.
Hand-Thrown Mastery: Every pot is made by hand. Master throwers use the traditional three-pull method on the wheel to raise and shape the clay, while ornate designs are "hand-pressed" into plaster moulds for deep relief detailing.
The Frostproof Guarantee: Because they control the clay blend and fire their kilns to a searing 1060°C, Whichford pots are exceptionally hard. They carry a famous 10-Year Frostproof Guarantee, making them a "buy once, keep forever" investment compared to cheaper imports that flake in winter.
Bespoke Artistry: They have a dedicated decorating team that applies hand-carved roulettes, inscriptions, and sprigs, meaning pots can be personalized or commissioned for specific estates.
4. The Hero Products
The Classics: Their range of "Longtoms" and "Buxus Pots" are the staples of the English cottage garden. Simple, elegant, and designed with a wide rim for strength.
Giant Ware: Whichford is one of the few places capable of throwing monumental pottery. Their "Giant Jars" and urns can reach up to six feet in height, thrown in multiple sections and joined by hand.
The Collaborations: They produce exclusive collections for the RHS, Highgrove and the Monty Don range (featuring his dog Ned’s paw print), portions of which support Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Horticultural Wares: Beyond decoration, they make serious tools for growers, including Rhubarb Forcers, Seakale Pots and Alpine Pans.
5. The Essentials
Accreditations: RHS Partner; Made in Britain (Verified).
Product Index: Flowerpots, Urns, Planters, Rhubarb Forcers, Seakale Pots, Bird Baths, Woodfired Ceramics, Tableware.
