While Rhubarb Forcers are familiar to many garden aficionados, the Rhubarb Chimney may be something new. The antique Rhubarb Chimneys that inspired me to make these come from "The Rhubarb Triangle" a small area in West Yorkshire, near Wakefield, which is the traditional center of forced rhubarb production. Large scale production of forced rhubarb is done in long forcing sheds, which are lit only with candles. The forced rhubarb is harvested by hand using only candlelight.
Depriving the plant of sunlight decreases the photosynthesis, which keeps the rhubarb pale, and also makes it stretch to get more sunlight. The result is a more delicate stalk that has less bitterness than non-forced rhubarb. The shape of Rhubarb Forcers are unusual and pleasing to the eye, and in fact some folks order them with no intention of forcing rhubarb, but appreciate forcers as an iconic piece of garden ornament.
Rhubarb Forcers are some of the most labor intensive pieces I make, but they're also very satisfying to make. It is a multi-step process that takes 3-4 days to complete the steps. It's rare to find a studio potter in the USA who is making these.
You can find a few videos of the steps involved on my Instagram page, using the links below. (These videos show me making the more traditional rounded forcers, but the technique is the same for Rhubarb Chimneys).
Rhubarb Forcer Step #1
Rhubarb Forcer Step #2
Rhubarb Forcer Step #3
- Handthrown by Peter in Rockdale, Wisconsin
- Traditional red terracotta, fired to 2000° F.
- Frostproof from delamination due to temperatures below freezing. However, if water or damp soil collects in the pot and freezes solid, the pot may crack.
- For outdoor use, but should be stored inside during winter months to ensure maximum years of use.
