The Terrybaun Story
Ireland’s oldest pottery, Terrybaun, fired its first kiln in August 1950 in the remote and beautiful location by the lakes of Pontoon, County Mayo. The site of these first and subsequent firings was chosen by owners Grattan Freyer and his French-born wife, Madeleine Giraudeau. The pottery ran for thirty-three years under their direction and is now owned by Madeleine’s nephew Henri Hedou and his wife, Fiona.
Terrybaun Shop
Henri has carried on the tradition of producing beautiful slipware using the same techniques, designs and unique glazes that have made Terrybaun highly distinctive and unique. Even though modernized, in Terrybaun Pottery the traditional methods are still very much alive. Terrybaun Pottery of today is a successful mixture of the old and new.
About Terrybaun
Henri Hedou
Henri Hedou, originally from France, got his first taste of Pottery when he joined his father’s business straight after leaving school. Henri came to train with his uncle in 1971 and it was there that he met his future wife Fiona who was a fellow ceramics student. They soon married and lived in Paris but returned to Ireland where they found the lifestyle suited them better. When Grattan Freyer died in 1983 the Hedous took over and made some changes to Terrybaun, including modernizing the equipment.
Traditional Methods
Henri has carried on the tradition of producing beautiful slipware using the same techniques, designs and unique glazes that have made Terrybaun highly distinctive and unique. Even though modernized, in Terrybaun Pottery the traditional methods are still very much alive. Terrybaun Pottery of today is a successful mixture of the old and new.
Mayo Pottery Studio
Much of Henri’s pottery is inspired by the natural landscape and wildlife found in the vicinity of Terrybaun Pottery. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Mayo’s lake district, surrounded by spectacular mountains and lakes, Terrybaun Pottery welcomes visitors all year round. The workshop is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays by prior arrangement.
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