Baked earth, or terracotta as we know it, has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric art era. Ancient civilisations such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians used terracotta for pottery, sculptures, and architectural ornamentation.

Its popularity soared in the 19th century in the western world, particularly in London, where its exceptional durability made it a preferred choice for architects. The city’s polluted air was causing rapid decay of stone facades, prompting a shift towards terracotta as a more resilient alternative. This led to the construction of iconic terracotta buildings including the Natural History Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.

The elements cause wear and tear on terracotta materials, like they do on all materials. Whether it is dirty or cracked, there are a series of steps that once taken can help ensure the look and structural integrity is in tact for years to come.

One of the main causes of deterioration is water penetration. If the material has not been glazed, deterioration will accelerate quickly once water penetrates it. If not addressed promptly, likelihood will increase the risks of cracks and therefore the buildings structural integrity.

When cleaning terracotta, is it important to use gentle, no abrasive methods to ensure no damage is caused to the material. You will often find that soft brushes and sponges are used initially to take away the surface level dust and dirt. If staining remains, the next step would be to use a mild detergent solution and repeat the method previously. If harsher chemicals or methods are used, you risk eroding the surface layer or penetrating water, which could cause further damage.

Majority of terracotta works undertaken in restoring the building requires repairing cracks or breaks. It is essential that if any cracks are identified this is flagged as soon as possible to avoid risking any further damage to the building or public safety. Once identified you may find that the cracks are more significant, or pieces are missing from the blocks. It would then be necessary to replace entire sections of terracotta with one that matches in colour, texture, and design. Lead times for replacement terracotta can be up to 6 months, so it is important to plan in advance to identify and future major issues early so they can be replaced, if needed, promptly.

Once repairs are completed, it is advised that weatherproofing is added to protect the terracotta from water absorption whilst also allowing the terracotta to breath.

This process ensures that the terracotta remains sturdy for years to come.