Bronze Age Aldbourne Cup

Handcrafted Replica Aldbourne Cup

Details

The Aldbourne Cup is a beautiful Bronze Age accessory pot, originally discovered in Wiltshire and now housed in the British Museum.

This replica was first created in 2015 as part of a collaboration with the Aldbourne Heritage Centre. Graham was contacted by John Dymond and Alan Heasman to reproduce the cup, and after extensive research, he crafted two versions—one as the cup appears today and another as it would have looked when newly made. Both replicas are now on display at the Aldbourne Heritage Centre.

Uncovering the Secrets of the Aldbourne Cup

To accurately replicate this cup, Graham made a research trip to the British Museum, where he was able to handle the original artefact. This hands-on experience revealed intricate details not visible in photographs or drawings.

One such discovery was the nature of the perforations in the decoration. While many Bronze Age beakers and food vessels were decorated using flat-toothed combs made from bone or antler, which create square or rectangular impressions, the Aldbourne Cup was different.

Instead of a traditional comb, the cup’s decoration had been made using a series of small, round pins—likely three 2mm pins sharpened at the tips to produce 1mm holes spaced 1mm apart.

Intriguingly, two bronze pins—matching this description—were found in the same burial and had previously been identified as possible tattooing tools. Inspired by this connection, Graham studied Polynesian tattooing combs and reconstructed a tool that would have authentically recreated the cup’s original decoration.

Materials

• Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions

• Diameter at rim: Approx. 120 mm
• Height: Approx. 120 mm

Production

As with all my Museum Quality Replicas, this pot has been handcrafted in Northumberland by Potted History, following ancient techniques.

• Hand-built from natural clay, using tools and methods authentic to the Bronze Age
• Decoration applied using a hand-twisted cord made from natural lime bast bark fibres, in keeping with the original cup

Firing Process

To achieve an authentic appearance, this pot has been wood-fired, replicating Bronze Age firing conditions.

• The original cup would have been fired in an open wood fire, where the pot was in direct contact with the fuel, creating natural variations in surface colour
• To increase durability, this replica has been fired at a slightly higher temperature, strengthening it while maintaining an authentic prehistoric finish

Health & Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica and not intended for use as a drinking vessel.

• If you require replica pots suitable for food or beverages, please contact me before purchasing.

Ordering Information

• 'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
• 'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.

Shipping

• All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
• If you require first-class shipping, please contact me for a custom quote.

Own a piece of Bronze Age history with this handcrafted replica of the Aldbourne Cup. Order today!