A gravestone with a Harmer Terracotta decorated mofif. This one shows signs of considerable wear and weathering.

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Jonathan Harmer was the son of a Heathfield stone mason. He used his skills as a potter to enhance his father’s gravestones. He created a method of attaching the terracotta bas-reliefs to the headstone. It was so effective that they have lasted for 200 years! Many still exist in the churchyards of East Sussex and parts of Kent. Jonathan took over the family firm in 1799 and from then until 1819 he added the bas- reliefs to the local gravestones. The clay used was dug locally at Heathfield Park. The bas-reliefs range from cream to red. They depict cherubs, vases and baskets of fruit. Jonathan harmer died in 1839 and so did his secret of attaching his terracottas to the gravestone.

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Size: 5150px × 3335px
Location: Heathfield Chapel, Chapel Cross Old Heathfield East Sussex
Photo credit: © Brian Hartshorn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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