History

The word "Terracotta" is generally understood to mean a low-fired red clay typically used for flower pots, which is vulnerable to frost and easily broken.

Terracotta was however developed into a far more sophisticated material by several English makers in the 18th century. The clay body was composed of various secret ingredients to produce a material capable of holding intricate detail, and which when fired to very high temperature would normally outperform natural stone in strength and durability.

The most famous of the 18th century makers was Eleanor Coade, whose "Coade Stone" urns and statuary are very highly valued today.

The technical secrets and skills of these makers were lost as their method were displaced by the demands of mass production during the 19th century. At THOMASONCUDWORTH we have set ourselves the task of recreating the original techniques. Extensive research and experiment on the composition and balance of the clay body, allied with hand modeling skills originating from many years experience of stone carving, have resulted in the ability to produce work of a quality which rivals that of the 18th century makers who have been our inspiration.