Herbi4 Story

About Jon Barrett-Danes and the founding of the Herbi4 Pottery Co.

A professional sculptor working in clay, Jon Barrett-Danes’ work is widely exhibited and much collected. After completing his BA (Ceramics) in 1985, Jon gained work experience at the workshops of Mike Casson OBE, then at Dartington Pottery and finally working with another great potter, Mick Morgan of Talog, near Carmarthen. Now Jon has made his own mark on the world of ceramics. Drawing from the work of his parents Alan and Ruth Barrett-Danes, Jon began by creating a pig and, since then, he has concentrated on developing hand crafted animal forms, such as his signature sheep, and other more sculptural pieces.

In 2010, Jon took the opportunity to team up with Rob Lord, a friend for many years, and to create their very own pottery.

And so the Herbi4 Pottery Company was born!

Rob's artwork contributions in his school magazine may not have been as useful as his 20 years of IT experience, not least in terms of this website's development, but the combination of Jon's talent and their shared sense of humour has helped to create the new Herbi4 product range of animal heads, herb planters and garden pots.

Braving the ice and snow in the winter of 2010, Jon and Rob secured business premises at the Hartley Park Farm, Selborne, and, with the help of family and friends, the pottery is now firmly established.

No stranger to demonstrating the intricacies of his techniques, Jon continues to tutor at venues such as West Dean College and loves to throw a pot or two outside the Pottery doors, much to the delight of passers-by.

Play Video Footage from the Herbi4 Pottery Co.

Play the video links below and see the Herbi4 Pottery Co. in action!

Arrival of the kiln - fun and games moving a half ton "new" second hand kiln into the Herbi4 Pottery.

Ram firing - watch Jon gently persuade an unsuspecting ram to enter the kiln.

Jon throwing - a man and his wheel in perfect harmony.

Complete pig's backside! - watch this if you've never seen anyone make a complete pig's backside of anything before.

More food for Blungie - Jon and Rob keep filling the bottomless pit they call the Blunger.