Who We Are

The exterior of Darwen Terracotta Ltd building with a parking lot filled with cars in front and tree branches with autumn leaves overhead.
A sign on a brick wall displaying the name 'Darwen Terracotta and Faience' in white and orange text on a blue background.

Restore
& Preserve

Darwen Terracotta Limited was founded with a mission to restore and preserve the grandeur of historical architecture, a purpose that remains at the core of what we do today. Over the years, we have expanded our expertise to include the creation of contemporary designs, allowing architects and design to push the boundaries of what is possible with terracotta and faience.

“

It was really important that we could employ many of the team we have worked with for so many years. Apart from the friendships involved, the product is so specialised that we could not see the loss of these skills that Darwen has been famous for since the end of the 19th century. The industry, including architects and contractors, have been so very supportive, that it has been heartwarming and keeps alive the passion required to produce this high-quality product.

— Jon Wilson, Managing Director, Darwen Terracotta Limited

Our
Heritage

When one of the UK’s oldest and most highly respected terracotta companies, Shaws of Darwen, closed its architectural division to concentrate on their fireclay sink business, the opportunity arose for former employees to set up a new business and re-employ the very skilled craftspeople.

Black and white photo of a historical multi-story building with a sign for the Long Corner House and a giant sign at the top that reads 'Heidis'. The building has ornate architectural details and large windows on the upper floors, with storefronts on the ground level.
Front facade of a historic building with a sign that reads "Post Office Hall" above the entrance, featuring classical architectural elements, brick arch design on the door, and a clock on the upper part of the facade.
Black and white photo of an old theater named The Palace, with ornate architectural details and large windows, and leafless trees in front.
A decorative sculpture of a lion's head with a mane, surrounded by flowers and leaves, made of stone or similar material.
A vintage sepia-toned photograph of a clock tower on a building with classical architectural elements like columns and decorative urns, with text in the top corners indicating it is a blueprint or historical plan for a London cooperative society building on High Street, East Ham.
Industrial ceramics manufacturing plant with molds and machinery for creating ceramic components.
Person working with a metal tool to carve or smooth a white stone or plaster block on a workbench.

Our Offerings
& Manufacturing Process

Quotations & Reports
Site Survey
Design Advice
Contract Management
CAD Design
Terracotta & Faience Manufacture
Delivery & Logistics

Clay Preparation
Laboratory Colour Development
Modelling & Moulding
Clay Casting
Hand Finishing & Drying
Glazing
Kiln Firing

The Art of Terracotta