Looking after your Earthenware

As with all natural materials such as wood, leather and wool, earthenware needs thoughtful care, as by its very nature is sensitive to how it is treated.

To help you enjoy your Shanagarry Pottery even more, here are some useful care tips passed on to Stephen by his mother.

Shanagarry Pottery has been safely used in the dishwasher for many years. Just make sure that you place your pottery carefully in the dishwasher, select a gentle cycle and use a dishwasher liquid, as it is less abrasive than powder.

As unglazed earthenware is porous and can absorb moisture, we recommend it is thoroughly dried before it is stored on open shelves in a dry atmosphere.

Always remember to use a coaster or mat when placing our earthenware on highly polished wooden surfaces.

Our pottery should not be exposed to a naked flame. It is better to warm the plates and bowls at a gentle heat in a low oven. Putting your Shanagarry Pottery directly onto a hot plate or under a heat lamp could cause it to crack.

Part of the charm of earthenware is that eventually it crazes. Crazing is caused by a sudden change in temperature. The clay and glaze may develop a very fine hairline pattern on the surface. In the East this delicate web-like pattern is deemed to enhance the ageing of the pottery and you can still continue to use it indefinitely.