Potted History
Potted History
History in Hand
Our Mission
About Potted History
At Potted History, we are a family-run business with a passion for bringing the past to life. The father-daughter duo, Graham and Sarah, have spent over 25 years crafting museum-quality ceramic replicas that span eras from the Paleolithic to the medieval period—and beyond. Their work has been commissioned by some of the world’s most prestigious museums, universities, and heritage sites, but their mission doesn’t end there.
Graham and Sarah believe that everyone should have access to the pots of history, not just those visiting museum exhibits. That’s why their handmade replicas have found homes with private collectors across the globe, allowing history enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of ancient ceramics in the comfort of their own homes.
Authenticity lies at the heart of everything they create. Using traditional hand-crafting techniques and tools that replicate the methods and technologies of the original potters, they ensure each piece is authentic—not just in appearance, but in its very essence. For Graham and Sarah, historical accuracy goes far beyond surface details. Sometimes, their dedication to precision means crafting an entire toolkit before even touching the clay.
Even the grit added to their clay undergoes rigorous scrutiny to meet historical standards. This attention to detail ensures their pieces don’t just look the part but also feel and behave like the originals. In fact, should you ever accidentally break a Potted History replica, you’ll find that it breaks just as an ancient piece would.
At Potted History, we are not just creating pottery—we are preserving history, one pot at a time. Whether you’re a museum professional, a passionate collector, or simply someone who loves history, we are proud to share our love of ancient craftsmanship with you.
Our Customers
From Our Studio in Historic Rothbury
Nestled in the beautiful historic town of Rothbury, Northumberland, the Potted History team collaborates with some of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, including The British Museum, The Ashmolean, The Great North Museum, Stonehenge Visitor Centre, Vindolanda Roman Fort, and the BBC, to name just a few.
But our work doesn’t stop at museums and cultural institutions. At Potted History, we are passionate about sharing our knowledge far and wide. We regularly partner with universities across the UK and USA, running workshops, creating historically accurate replicas, and offering advice on research projects. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do because we believe that knowledge and understanding flourish when experts work together and share insights. We are proud to contribute to the global exploration and understanding of world history.
A key part of our mission is to ensure that museum-quality replicas are accessible to everyone. Whether you are a seasoned expert or an amateur historian with a passion for the past, Potted History is here to help you bring the beauty of ancient craftsmanship into your home.
Potted History
Meet the team
Meet the Team
Master potter Graham Taylor and his daughter Sarah Lord are the creative heart of Potted History. They’re supported by workshop assistant Jess Pape and admin assistant Clare Lamy (Graham’s other daughter), whose hard work helps bring history to life.
A Word From Master Potter
Graham Taylor
"When I handle an ancient pot, it feels like shaking hands with the original potter—a handshake that spans thousands of years. I can feel the impressions of their thumbs, the pressure of their fingers shaping the wet clay to form the belly of the pot, and the sweeping motions of their tools decorating the surface. These movements are like frozen—perhaps more accurately, fired—moments in time, preserved and waiting to be understood.
When I recreate one of these prehistoric masterpieces, it’s as though I’m having a conversation with the original maker: ‘Ah, I see why you did that,’ or ‘What tool made that mark?’ or ‘That’s clever, decorating it like that.’ Though one-sided, the answers come back to me through the clay. This process deepens my connection to the past and instils a profound respect for the craftsperson who came before me."
The Next Generation
Sarah Lord
As Graham’s daughter, I grew up surrounded by clay. For many years, my parents ran a pottery studio in Kolonyama, Lesotho, where I had the privilege of watching and learning from some of the most talented craftspeople. Occasionally, if I was very lucky, they would let me help. Their generosity and willingness to share their knowledge with a curious little girl sparked a lifelong love of clay.
There’s something deeply rewarding about taking clay—essentially mud—and transforming it into something beautiful, just as people have been doing for thousands of years. It fills me with pride to carry on my family’s pottery tradition while also honouring the unnamed potters of the past by recreating their incredible work and sharing it with a new audience.
Every piece I make leaves my own mark and fingerprints in clay, just as ancient potters left theirs—a small but meaningful connection to future generations.
Admin Assistant
Clare Lamy
Although Clare lives on the other side of the country, she is a vital component of making the cogs of Potted History turn, thanks to the wonders of modern technology. Her keen attention to detail keeps us organised and ensures your commission requests are handled smoothly.
In addition to her work with us, Clare is a dedicated NHS midwife, skillfully balancing her responsibilities with her family life and her role at Potted History. We’re incredibly grateful for her hard work and expertise!
