Bardon Mill Pottery

We are heading east and on the way called into Bardon Mill or as imprinted on our pots 'Errington Reay'.

Many years ago we bought a few - 5 in total - of the Salt Glazed pots from here. They are large and handy for keeping pasta, rice, bread flour, and a loaf. Over the years we have broken two of the lids. Today we called in to the Mill to see if it was possible to buy new lids. It was and now we have a full set again.

During the process of firing the clay, salt is thrown into the kiln, this will a cause a 'reduction firing' bringing out the different colours in the pottery. During the 1830's and 40's a lot of drainage pipes were produced using this method giving an impermeable glaze to the finish.

Errington Reay is now the only Salt Glaze pottery in the country. The picture shows the coal fired kiln and chimney. When it's firing 100 kilos of salt is thrown in, as it vapourises, the sodium chloride reacts with the silica (glass) in the clay to form the salt glaze.

An added touch: when trying to take a pic a lady came along the pavement and ducked in front of me to avoid blurring the scene. A few minutes later she returned and gave us a card showing a hand painting of the kiln and chimney. And then she disappeared.