From the Heart of British Craftsmanship to the US Market: Darwen Terracotta’s Growing Legacy

On streets from London to New York, the intricate curves and bold colours of terracotta are making a quiet resurgence. Behind many of these restorations and new facades is Darwen Terracotta, the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. From the beginning, Darwen Terracotta set out to “rescue, restore and recreate” the beauty of architectural terracotta. In just ten years, it has become the UK’s leading terracotta and faience producer, working on restoration and new-build projects at home and abroad. Its portfolio includes Cambridge’s Homerton College, the facades of Harrods and The Londoner in London, Montreal’s Ritz-Carlton, and US landmarks such as Long Beach’s First Congregational Church and Hotel Martinique in New York.

Recognition has followed. Darwen Terracotta is a proud member of Made in Britain and has twice been honoured with 2025 Red Rose Awards — for ‘Made in Lancashire’ and for ‘Export’ — reflecting both its regional roots and international reach.

At its heart are skilled craftspeople whose traditional hand skills give each piece character and authenticity. Alongside them, digital modelling and precision robotics are used to enhance efficiency and accuracy. This balance of old and new is summed up in the company‘s guiding mantra: “tradition meets technology.” For Darwen Terracotta, innovation is never about replacing people, but a bout giving artisans the tools to achieve more.

Sustainability is also central to its mission. Earlier this year, Darwen Terracotta achieved Made in Britain‘s new Environmental & Social Value certification, recognizing contributions across “people, planet and place.”

It is also pioneering measurement of terracotta‘s life-cycle carbon footprint, helping architects and clients assess sustainability — a step experts describe as vital for decarbonizing construction.

For Managing Director and co-founder Jon Wilson, the tenth anniversary is “a tribute to our customers, partners and team members, and a chance IO reaffirm our values — craft, quality, and sustainability — as we continue to grow.” Thot growth includes a stronger international presence, particularly in the United States, where demand for sustainable, characterful materials is rising. In November 2025, Darwen Terracotta will be present at the annual conference of APT International in Providence, Rhode Island, as exhibitor and Bronze Sponsor — reinforcing its role in the global conservation community.

Yet even as its projects span continents, the company remains firmly rooted in Lancashire, where the traditions of British terracotta continue to be passed on and refined for the future.