Lindi Bilgorri finds out how potter Jane Hogben is telling her secrets to the masses

IN a converted barn on a dairy farm near Iver, Jane Hogben creates her terracotta pots which end up in some of the smartest stores in this country and abroad.

The pots are made to Jane's very own terracotta recipe which gives them their unique, light, subtle colour.

Jane explains: "I liked the light terracotta colour of the pots in Italy and abroad. In England terracotta is often a brown-red or even orange-red. So I have created my own clay to the colour I want."

Stepping into Jane's work-shop is not like entering any other potter's studio - there is not a potter's wheel in sight. Instead, the pots are hand-pressed into shape.

She then decorates her window-sill boxes and small flower pots with her own designs which range from sunflowers to carrots, and from swags to cockerels.

Now Jane has opened her doors to the likes of you and me to try our hand at making a terracotta window-sill box or pot in her studio in one-day workshops .

Jane says: "You don't need to be artistic or have any previous experience."

If you have ever decorated a cake or played with Plasticine with children, you will be able to create a Jane Hogben-type pot by the end of the day.

The reason for this is that Jane has done all the hard work for you. There is no throwing or building-up of the clay. All you have to do is to create your box or pot from a mould and then decorate it.

Jane stresses that this technique is no less creative than throwing a pot.

"I believe it is the decorating of the pots that is the creative side. It takes years to become competent at throwing. By doing it this way people will have the opportunity to work in the medium of terracotta."

As well as learning all the techniques needed in handling terracotta, Jane also shows her students all the different decorative ideas which include sprigging - the application of raised relief - and using slips, coloured liquid clay.

"The workshops are going to be great fun. I love working in terracotta and I want to give other people a chance to really have a go, without having to commit to a lengthy course or invest in any expensive specialist equipment."

% If you would like to join Jane Hogben on one of her one-day workshops telephone her on (01753) 882364. Tips on bringing out the best in your garden terracotta pot Always immerse your terracotta in cold water overnight before planting to avoid water and iron marks. This will also prevent the pot from taking up all the moisture from the soil.

Put plenty of crock, which is broken pottery or gravel, in the bottom of the pot at least one inch deep to ensure adequate drainage and prevent the drainage hole becoming blocked.

Choose a good potting compost.

Take special care in the winter. Jane Hogben's pots are frost resistant, but they can not promise to be frost-proof. Where possible, move the pots to a sheltered position to avoid the worst of the winter weather.

If you can't move the pot, remove the saucer if used and raise the pot from the ground by using terracotta feet so that the pot can drain freely.

Jane will be exhibiting her pots at the Chelsea Flower show on May19 to 22 at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. For more information telephone the ticket hotline on (0171) 344 4343

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