At John Julian we grade our pieces to a high standard to make them a 'First'. Every kiln firing will contain some pieces that do not make the grade. These pieces will have quirks such as a variation in the glaze, a dent or crack, or wobbly decoration. We call these our Seconds—still beautiful, still functional, just not quite perfect enough for our main collections.

Rather than letting these characterful pieces sit on shelves, we’ve brought them together in thoughtfully curated sets. It’s a way to give them purpose, reduce waste, and offer you a more accessible route into handcrafted pottery. We’ve chosen combinations that work beautifully together, whether you're setting the table for two or building a foundation for everyday dining.By offering our seconds in sets, we hope to celebrate the charm in imperfection—while making space for new work in our workshop.