Seconds and Test Pieces

Every piece at Ordinary & Co passes through multiple stages of testing, making, handling and firing during its journey through our studio. We take the utmost care at every step, however small imperfections are sometimes unavoidable. These pieces are known as seconds.

Each piece is carefully checked before it leaves the studio. Whether something is graded as a first or a second comes down to appearance, not function. All seconds remain fully functional and safe to use. They are simply pieces that carry visible variations or marks that fall outside the standard for the main range.

These variations vary from piece to piece but can include small cracks, surface marks, glaze irregularities or subtle distortions. These do not affect the durability or usability of the piece. In many cases, they are only visible on close inspection.

Alongside seconds, we also produce test pieces while developing new ideas, testing new techniques or trialling glazes and finishes. Some may differ slightly from the final version, while others represent ideas that were explored but not taken forward.