Rauch Pottery from Tonndorf

Only here can you visit a faithfully reconstructed flowerpot pottery workshop.

A potter’s family from Tonndorf built the structure around 1760. Initially, they produced various everyday ceramic items such as plates, pots, and bowls. About 100 years ago, the focus shifted mainly to the production of flowerpots for the nurseries in Erfurt. While the pot blanks were originally shaped individually on the potter’s wheel, starting in 1909 they were pressed mechanically. Once enough blanks had been produced, the kiln could be fired — depending on the pot size, between 13,000 and 26,000 pieces at a time.

 

The last owner, Rolf Rauch, closed his pottery in 1972 because it was no longer economically viable. However, he preserved all his machines and small tools until the relocation in 2000. He also assisted us in setting up the pottery again at the museum.