Driver pursued for numerous miles to negotiate pot purchase from lorry operator: Beth Tarling's method in amassing prized terracotta collection
Uncovering the History of Vintage Sankey Terracotta Flowerpots
In the heart of Nottinghamshire, Bulwell once bustled with the sound of pottery wheels and the scent of fresh clay, as Richard Sankey & Son, the largest producers of handthrown clay pots in the world, churned out hundreds of thousands of terracotta flowerpots each week.
Founded in the 1850s, Sankey, Royal Warrant holders, rose to prominence during the 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a symbol of British gardenware. Today, their vintage terracotta flowerpots are sought after by collectors, but identifying these historical gems can be a challenge.
Beth Tarling, a resident of Gunwalloe on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, has spent the past 10 years building a collection of vintage flowerpots. In her pursuit, she discovered that there is very little information about ordinary flowerpots, and many pots had no mark or name on them. However, she persevered, and her dedication paid off when she achieved the rare feat of assembling a complete set of every size of pot that was handthrown by Richard Sankey & Son.
To authenticate or date a specific vintage Sankey terracotta pot, there are several steps one can take:
- Examine the base for manufacturer’s marks: Look for embossed or impressed text or symbols uniquely associated with Richard Sankey & Son, such as "Richard Sankey & Son" or "Sankey" along with numbers or symbols indicating size or production batch.
- Assess the clay quality and firing color: Authentic Sankey pots have a consistent warm terracotta hue typical of Netherfield, Nottinghamshire, where Sankey operated.
- Note stylistic features and design: Shapes and decorative patterns compared to known examples of Sankey pots.
- Evaluate signs of age: Such as weathering marks, chips, or color patina consistent with antiques.
While general terracotta flowerpots share some common features, such as being breathable clay that absorbs and releases moisture, having a drainage hole, and showing rustic, handmade imperfections, these details are not unique to Richard Sankey & Son. For a more specialized approach, consulting antique pottery references or expert appraisers familiar with British gardenware pottery may be necessary.
The flowerpot, a seemingly ordinary item, played a crucial role in the horticultural revolution of the late 18th and 19th centuries. As horticulture became increasingly popular, new plant nurseries supplied the growing middle classes who were beginning to spend on their gardens, houseplants, and glasshouses. The explosion of interest in new plants and plant collecting meant that pots would have been essential for transport, as evidenced by the provision made for 1,015 seedlings to be kept in racked pots when HMS Bounty sailed to collect specimens of breadfruit from the South Seas in 1787.
The numbering system for Sankey pots was unique, with the biggest size, the No 1, being thrown using the entire lump or 'cast'. As Peter Thoday, a horticultural lecturer involved in the restoration of Cornwall's Lost Gardens of Heligan, explained in a BBC2 program, the pots were originally numbered according to how many pots of that size were made from the original lump of clay the potter was working with. When pots began to be machine-pressed, the system of identifying them changed to reflect the interior diameter at the top of each pot.
Despite the challenges in identifying and understanding the history of vintage Sankey terracotta flowerpots, collectors like Beth Tarling continue to uncover and appreciate these pieces of British pottery history, bringing a touch of the past into modern gardens.
The garden design scene intermingles with fashion-and-beauty as vintage Sankey terracotta flowerpots become a chic addition to lifestyle enthusiasts' homes-and-garden, showcasing their appreciation for antiques.
Incorporating gardening practices with history, the assembly of every size vintage Sankey terracotta flowerpot by Beth Tarling aids in the cultivation of not just plants but also knowledge about British gardenware pottery.
