Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
50 Years
experience
Handcrafted Ceramics by Tom Jones in Fairhope, AL
Tom Jones Pottery has been crafting unique ceramic art at Clay City, Alabama, since 1976. Our founder, Tom Jones, began his journey in high school under master potter Edith Harwell and later studied at Mississippi College, where he became the first freshman allowed to take pottery. After collaborating with Ralph Jennings to establish A & D Pottery in 1976, Tom and his wife Pam opened our current studio in 1980. Over 49 years, weve refined our craft, transitioning from coal-fired kilns to modern natural gas kilns that fire our lead-free, food-safe ceramics to 2400 degrees. Our studio occupies a historic building constructed in the 1940s using salvaged materials, including timbers from Alabama State Docks and a front door from Daphne Elementary School. We specialize in handcrafted pottery made from local clay, combining traditional techniques with contemporary designs.

While weve operated retail locations in Daphne, New Orleans, and Point Clear over the decades, our Clay City studio remains our sole retail outlet today. Every piece we create reflects decades of expertise, a commitment to quality, and a deep connection to the regions ceramic heritage. Our team, including Tom, Bennie B, Liz, Carolyn, and Pam, welcomes visitors to experience firsthand how we transform raw clay into functional art. We prioritize durability and beauty, ensuring our pottery is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. As a family-run business, we maintain a hands-on approach to every aspect of production and customer service. Our dedication to preserving traditional methods while embracing practical innovation has made us a trusted name in handcrafted ceramics for nearly half a century.
Services
Handcrafted Pottery Custom Ceramics Clay City Studio Tours Functional Ceramic Art Historic Kiln Demonstrations
Details
  • Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
  • 49 years of ceramic craftsmanship at Clay City
  • Handcrafted pottery using local, food-safe clay
  • Durable, lead-free ceramics tested to 2400 degrees
  • Historic studio with traditional and modern techniques
  • Family-run operation with hands-on expertise
Services
Handcrafted Pottery
Each piece is individually crafted from locally sourced clay using traditional techniques. Our pottery combines functional design with artistic detail, ensuring durability for daily use. Every item undergoes rigorous firing at 2400 degrees for strength and safety.
Custom Ceramics
We create bespoke ceramic pieces tailored to specific needs. While special orders are temporarily paused, our existing collection offers diverse options for unique, personalized items. Our process prioritizes quality and individuality.
Studio Tours
Visitors explore our historic studio built from reclaimed materials. The tour showcases our kiln operations, clay preparation, and finishing processes. Learn about Clay Citys ceramic heritage and our transition from coal to gas firing methods.
Functional Art
Our pottery balances aesthetic appeal with practicality. All items are lead-free and designed for modern kitchens, withstanding oven, microwave, and dishwasher use. Each piece merges artistic expression with everyday utility.
Historic Kiln Demonstrations
See our original coal-fired Beehive Kiln preserved on-site and learn about its role in our early production. Current pieces are fired in modern gas kilns that maintain traditional quality standards while improving efficiency and consistency.
People
Tom Jones
Master Potter
Tom began pottery in high school under Edith Harwell, studied at Mississippi College, and established this studio in 1980. With over 40 years at Clay City, he combines historic techniques with modern practices to create durable, artistic ceramics.
Questions
What are your current operating hours?
We’re open Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please call before visiting on Saturdays as hours vary.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept AmEx, Discover, Visa, and Mastercard for all purchases.
Is your pottery food-safe?
All our ceramics are lead-free and tested for food safety, suitable for oven, microwave, and dishwasher use.
Can I place custom pottery orders?
We’re currently not accepting special orders to focus on restocking our standard collection.
What’s the history of your studio?
Our building, constructed in the 1940s from salvaged materials, has housed our pottery since 1980. We preserve historic techniques while using modern gas kilns for consistent quality.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Joy Cross
Jul 27, 2021 Report
Mr. Jones gave twelve of us from our senior retirement home a marvelous demonstration of his artistry this morning; and was SO patient with our questioning! Thank you, sir!
Jimmy Smith
Feb 28, 2021 Report
Tom was very helpful to my wife and I. Not the easiest to find but worth the hunt if you want unique hand made pottery.
Jenn G.
Jun 15, 2020 Report
My husband and I are from Florida and visited Tom Jones Pottery back in Feb 2020. I will say I was very impressed with Mr. Jones and with the beautiful pottery and left with several pieces. I had also expressed a high interest in a certain unfinished piece and was told that I could leave my number and when the item was finished, I would receive a call. I received a call last Friday at 4:56 pm, 4 months later. I was unable to answer or return the call at that time nor was I able to call them over the weekend. I called them just 30 minutes ago (the following Monday) and was told rather rudely
Ann Knoderer
Jan 30, 2020 Report
Always love this place. Everyone is so friendly. Like family! Continued success. Your work is awesome!! I've collected pieces for years!
Debra Greene
Dec 21, 2019 Report
We loved Tom Jones Pottery! It was good to meet Tom; he showed us the old beehive kiln in the backyard, which was interesting. Susan is very helpful in the shop and pointed out the different rooms and what each contains. We definitely will return!
Nellie Baughman
Jul 15, 2019 Report
OMG....mr Tom is wonderful..what beautiful work he does...and you can actually use the pottery..not just for looks...5 star pottery