Guest Blog: Sarah Tayor, Potted History and Potted Apprentice

We only ever use tree bark that has been gifted to us by those who have had work done on their trees, and we are always grateful for lime bark When we create replicas of ancient pots, from whatever period, we try to use the same tools that the original makers would have used. We make these tools ourselves from the same materials as the originals such as lime bast cordage which is used to decorate this Stonehenge cup.

This often involves mastering another ancient craft skill, in this case, the processing of fibre from the bark of lime trees (Scientific name: Tilia x Europaea, of the family Family: Malvaceae).

Common Lime (Tilia x europaea) - Woodland Trust

Graham Taylor, Potted History

The under layers of this bark are composed of what is known as 'bast'. We use it to make cordage and other tools that are then used to decorate Neolithic Mortlake pottery bowls and Bronze Age beakers, food vessels, collared urns and many more forms.

You can learn a little more about this on our YouTube channel. Click the link to learn more.