Our story
Cleefold Pottery, situated in the fold between the Brown Clee and Titterstone Clee Hills, was established in 2019 by James Wardle.
James makes hand thrown stoneware pieces which are simple and contemporary, yet resonate with the timeless beauty of Cleefold Pottery’s natural surroundings.
The Clee Hills are known to have been inhabited since Neolithic times and take their name from the ancient english word ‘Cleag’ meaning clay. The hills still bear the circular markings of Iron Age dwellings which inform James’s designs.
James Wardle
For over 25 years I have been fascinated by ceramics and working with clay: a passion that evolved during a foundation course at Camberwell Art College. I established Cleefold Pottery after moving to rural Shropshire, where I built a studio and have developed my practice.
I make hand-crafted practical objects in stoneware that combine beauty and function: each piece is designed to be enjoyed and have a longevity of use.
I take inspiration from the colours and rhythms of the surrounding environment and many of the glaze pigments are collected locally. A significant component of most glazes is wood ash: the minerals in the ash, absorbed during the life of the tree, add colour to the glaze producing interesting and sometimes unpredictable results.
Sustainability and the surrounding environment
Cleefold Pottery embraces low impact processes: clay is sourced locally and all electricity used comes from renewable sources.
The pottery studio was created from a disused agricultural building, using only reclaimed or second-hand materials.
The wood ash used in glazes is collected from a stove that heats the pottery during the winter and is processed by hand. All waste materials are collected, recycled and re-used and most importantly nothing goes down the drain.
Cleefold Pottery aims to sell locally and responsibly, all packaging is recycled and biodegradable.
