The Clay Authority – Debunking the Myth of Impruneta Clay 

If you don’t have a subscription to Garden Design magazine, you really should do yourself a favor and get one. This new issue, Spring 2016, has a beautifully presented article about the legendary pottery artisans of the small hill commune of Impruneta just outside of Florence.  If only as a travel guide to garden lovers, it reads like a NYT Travel section “36 Hours” of what to do and where to go in this tiny historic commune.  Of course, you always can pick up a copy at Eye of the Day.

For a long time I have complained that many Italian pottery manufacturers have falsely used the name “Impruneta” to sell their Italian pots, often at an inflated price. This wonderful article helps to debunk this misnomer and offers a wonderful guide to visitors and lovers of quality Italian garden pottery, abundant throughout the country. Besides, after pasta, what does one think of when Italy is mentioned but double rolled-rim planters?  Well, maybe shoes and olive oil might come up…

The essential part of the article was the brief mention of the actual terra cotta clay material found and used by these artisans in Impruneta. Many would have you think that Galestro clay can or is only found here and this is not the case as it is prevalent throughout the Sienese countryside. Francesco del Re was so adamant that his production of what many consider the finest Italian terracotta produced today be trademarked as “Terra Forte” clay so as not to be confused and wrongly named Impruneta. But the simple fact is still: All of the high quality, long lasting and frost proof terra cotta pottery found in Italy uses Galestro clay and does not have to be found within the commune of Impruneta.

At Eye of the Day, our main Italian terra cotta product is made with 100% Galestro clay manufactured for us by Colorobbia of Montelupo, Italy, and the largest Terracotta manufacturer in the world. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

What is really impressive is that our high quality, frost proof Italian terracotta will not only last for centuries, it is affordable when compared to similar pieces stamped with “Impruneta”. And please, don’t get me wrong, I have beautiful Impruneta pots, Francesco del Re pots as well as pots from other artisans of fine quality Italian terra cotta in my garden but all are manufactured using 100% Galestro Clay.  That’s why I’m the Clay Authority.

Want to learn about the wide range of materials and methods used in the production of garden pottery? Professional ceramicist Scott Semple will answer all your questions concerning terracotta and its applications in garden design throughout the 35,000-year history of fired clay vessels, from ancient times until the present day. Our hope is that you will find this educational journey not only informative but a valuable tool when considering Eye of the Day pottery as a functional, aesthetic and site-specific option for your garden design needs. About the Author With over 40 years experience, internationally-recognized ceramic artist, arts activist, and educator Scott Semple of SS Clay Works will lead a monthly exploration into “What is clay and why is it important?” We are pleased to introduce Eye of the Day resident consultant Scott Semple: Hi folks! What a great idea—mixing garden design, world travel, critical examination and mud! Sounds messy, fun and engaging all at once. So, a little back story on me: I am a fifth-generation Californian with brown thumbs. It’s like I was telling Brent last night, I’ve never been able to grow anything, but when it comes to mud—specifically clay, you are talking to the right guy. As a professional, I am what is referred to as a “Large Format Potter,” meaning I build huge pieces out of clay. I am fortunate to have my pieces in the private collections of many prominent and celebrated individuals, and currently balance my time between the studio, the classroom, and the natural world. People often refer to clay, ceramics and pottery all in the same context. I do this all the time. Yet perhaps a little clarification is needed. Clay is the actual material. In its essence (and a very elementary definition) it is decomposed granite, at once sculptural and utilitarian, abundant and valuable. Ceramics on the other hand, is what happens when you add fire: Fired clay is ceramic. And pottery is pottery, it’s that simple. So don’t get confused as I move fluidly between terms. There are countless applications for ceramics, especially when you consider ceramic engineering or clay in material sciences. NASA, Raytheon, Apple, and Toyota are but a few entities using clay. But in the garden design business, Eye of the Day really stands above and beyond the competition. They bring the real deal, direct from the countries, potteries, and clay villages of the world to our yards and ultimately our lives. I am proud to be working with this team. See you guys next month. -SS. Questions and thoughts for Scott? Let us know! Comment via Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #BakedEarth and we’ll make sure your queries get to Scott. Better yet, leave a comment for him below in the comments section.