Description

The espresso cup is designed by Hugdetta and brought to life by the master potters of the Lettie Stuart Pottery in Sierra Leone.

The Process:

At the heart of every pottery piece in the Sweet Salone collection lies a meticulous process. Transforming raw clay into the final piece takes time, around three to five weeks. The process begins with harvesting clay; the raw clay is sourced from a clay-rich village and transported to the pottery center, allowing it to dry naturally.

Once dry, the raw clay is carefully processed. After being pounded and ground into a dry powder, it is then sieved into a fine powder. Following the sieving, the powdered clay is mixed with water. The clay then rests on a plaster surface to let excess water escape. It is then hand kneaded and readied.

Our artisans shape each piece by hand on the kick wheel, patiently crafting the perfect form. Then begins the drying process, which can extend up to three weeks, influenced by weather conditions. Rainy season can be challenging, with high humidity levels affecting drying times.

When the piece is adequately dry, it’s fired in the kiln, a process known as bisque firing. Our wood-fired kiln infuses each piece with character during a firing cycle lasting at least 12 hours. After this, a delicate glazing process takes place, followed by a second firing to produce the final piece.

This journey, carried by the hands of the artisans at every stage, culminates in a product that’s ready to grace your space. Each piece is a testament to the artisans’ dedication to craftsmanship, from the raw clay to the final masterpiece.