Farmhouse Beginnings

It all started with a pottery wheel in Mr. Burrows’ ceramics class. James was a freshman in high school when he first sat at the wheel, not knowing that this simple moment would shape his entire life. Pottery became more than a hobby—it became a kind of therapy, a way to slow down and focus. And from the very beginning, James had a natural talent for it.

He chose the art room over the locker room, eventually studying ceramics in college under the guidance of Professor John Keenan. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, James learned to embrace imperfections in his work. He focused on form and function, believing that beauty could be found in the simplest shapes and honest materials.

After teaching ceramics in Rhode Island and working in Boston as a bench jeweler and lighting designer, James returned to clay with a new vision. He began making a small line of pottery with a French country aesthetic, which caught attention at major gift shows in New York and Atlanta. His work even landed on the cover of The Wall Street Journal.

Eventually, he joined the design team at Simon Pearce, where he learned how to scale a business and bring handmade products to a wider audience. Still, he continued throwing pottery on the side—his pieces started appearing in places like the Woodstock Inn.

In 2012, Farmhouse Pottery was born. The name reflected James’s desire to bring the values of slow living and thoughtful design into everyday life. The laurel logo, inspired by Belgian simplicity and family-approved around the kitchen table, became the quiet symbol of this new chapter.

The studio and store opened in 2014 in a former Bible bindery in Woodstock, Vermont. There was no cash register or sales permit on day one—just shelves filled with pottery and a big leap of faith. Thankfully, the local community showed up. People were curious. They cared. That early energy helped Farmhouse Pottery grow, and James began hiring local potters to help bring his vision to life.

Since then, the brand has grown beyond pottery. Today, you’ll find wooden bowls, textiles, candles, and seasonal goods alongside crocks and mugs. But everything still starts at the wheel—with a belief in honest materials, traditional techniques, and the kind of timeless design that only gets better with age.

At its heart, Farmhouse Pottery is about making everyday things feel meaningful. A bowl for berry-picking. A mug that feels just right in your hand. A plate that makes dinner feel like a celebration. It’s about bringing beauty home—and making it part of your daily ritual.