Ten thousand years ago, as the ice age came to a close and glaciers across Europe retreated north, glacial melt water carried organic clay into deposits such as that found close to the River Blackwater in East County Cork. For two hundred and fifty years this clay has been used to create the earthenware pots, plates and bowls for which the potters of the region became renowned.

Shanagarry is at the heart of this region. From its height in the eighteenth century when seven major potteries existed in the nearby town of Youghal, the craft and tradition of the potter had gone into decline until it ceased altogether in about 1940.

Stephen's parents Philip and Lucy Pearce arrived in the area in 1953 and revived the tradition of pottery making in East Cork. They were instructed in the art of pottery by Willie Greene,one of the last surviving master potters from Youghal. Together, Philip and Lucy founded Shanagarry Pottery

Please click on the links to the left to read further/view the techniques and 18 distinct processes involved in making Stephen Pearce Pottery.