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How Leedsware is made

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Clay body

The earthenware clay arrives at the pottery in solid form and is mixed with water to make a liquid slip which can be poured into the moulds.

Slip casting

Each mould is made up of two or more interlocking parts held together by a rubber band.   The Plaster of Paris mould absorbs moisture from the slip leaving a clay shell inside.   After the excess slip is drained off, the mould is tapped to loosen the clay article, the band is removed and the mould carefully dismantled.

Assembly

Most articles are cast in several pieces and joined together with clay slip.   Leedsware's characteristic twisted handles are made from solid clay extruded through a metal die, then cut to length and shaped by hand.

Piercing

With the article resting on a rubber support to prevent distortion, the pierced design is cut using a simple individual metal tool for each shape of hole.   Some pieces are moulded with a guide dot every inch or so to show the spacing for each group of holes, but otherwise the piercers rely on their own eye and experience to position the patterns correctly.

Fettling and sponging

After being allowed to dry, the ware is fettled or trimmed with a knife and cleaned with a sponge to remove all sharp edges and loose clay.

Firing and glazing

The first firing lasts for 13 hours and brings the ware to the "biscuit" stage, ready to be backstamped and sprayed with liquid glaze.   Stacked together using heat resistant kiln supports, the pieces receive a second firing of 11 hours, during which the dried powdery glaze becomes a clear hard protective coating.

Finished ware

After a final inspection the finished Leedsware is packed and despatched to destinations throughout the world.   It has taken roughly seven days to transform a grey lump of clay into an article of exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty.

If you would like to see the manufacturing process for yourself, please click here for information about factory tours.