Rooted in Clay, Grown with Care
In our latest brand spotlight we discover how Bergs Potter, a Copenhagen ceramics shop, became a global design name with heart, heritage and handmade pots.
WORDS Elissa Rose
In wartime Copenhagen, where grey skies and grim realities cast a long shadow over daily life, accountant Victor Berg envisioned something brighter. In 1942, he inherited a modest ceramics shop on Rantzausgade in Nørrebro and, inspired by the wish to restore color and joy, began filling the shop with fresh flowers. The combination of fragrant plants and aged ceramics drew attention, becoming a local beacon of beauty. What started as a gesture of hope became Bergs Potter, a brand whose mission remains rooted in helping people and plants thrive together.
As demand bloomed, so did the business. Victor opened shops on Købmagergade and Vesterbrogade, embedding Bergs Potter into the rhythm of Copenhagen life. His children, Steffen and Sysser, soon joined the family trade. Steffen became a merchant, navigating flower markets and stockrooms, while Sysser infused the business with creative flair. Their fascination with archaeology and design led them to an old garden shed, where they discovered a terracotta pot that would become the cornerstone of the Københavner Pot – Bergs Potter’s flagship design. Inspired by pottery made for the Royal Danish Palace of Fredensborg in 1860, this piece is an elegant interpretation of its royal origins.
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A collection of Københavner pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
Bergs Potter’s Københavner pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
The siblings’ passion for ceramics took them across Europe, eventually to the hills of Tuscany, where they found master artisans and the finest clay. This marked the beginning of a new chapter: Bergs Potter began producing their own pots using high-density Italian clay, fired at extreme temperatures to create a perfect balance of strength and breathability. As Steffen Berg once said, “if your plants could speak, they would tell you that there’s nothing better than a quality clay pot.”
Today, Bergs Potter continues to be family-run, now guided by the third generation – Victor Berg Jr. alongside trusted partners, Martin and Frits. Though neither had formal experience in pottery or horticulture, they embraced the brand’s legacy through tireless effort. From braving 5 a.m. flower market deliveries to packing pots in a freezing greenhouse, their dedication ensured that Bergs Potter would remain a cherished name in Denmark and across the world.
Københavner and Julie pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter
Bergs Potter’s signature unglazed terracotta pots are made using Italy’s finest clay. Thanks to the clay’s unique mineral composition and density, these pots breathe, allowing moisture and air to circulate around the roots. As water seeps through the pores, the pot itself darkens, indicating its active role in sustaining plant life. This natural interaction between clay and plant helps maintain stable root temperatures and optimal growing conditions. Each pot ages gracefully, developing a patina that tells a story of time and care.
“We know from research that people thrive when in contact with nature. Leaves and plants help purify the air and provide oxygen."
Christian Andersen, Chief Product Officer
These qualities are not simply functional – they speak to a deeper commitment to health. As Chief Product Officer Christian Andersen explains, “we know from research that people thrive when in contact with nature. Leaves and plants help purify the air and provide oxygen. We all know the feeling of stepping into a park on a hot summer day – the temperature drops, and the air feels cleaner. That’s due to the plants’ ability to release oxygen and improve the indoor climate. Some plants, like peace lilies and lavender, have particularly purifying or calming properties. So plants contribute to both physical and mental wellbeing.”
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Daisy and Simona pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
Helena, Simona, Daisy Vase and Elizabeth pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
Bergs Originals, the brand’s enduring line of raw terracotta pots, blend classic design with practical resilience. Available in sizes from bookshelf-friendly planters to large outdoor vessels, they are equally at home on a windowsill or in a courtyard. Free of chemicals, these pots are naturally frost-resistant – designed to withstand winter after winter when properly maintained. The waterproof saucers are specially treated to resist mold, ensuring long-term durability.
Beyond terracotta, Bergs Potter also offers the Glazed by Bergs line, which features rich colors. These indoor pots and vases celebrate life through bold hues and Scandinavian simplicity. Inspired by antique French finds, botanical illustrations and royal gardens, each design merges heritage with modernity. Every pot, whether raw or glazed, is a unique expression of craftsmanship and history, made to be beloved for generations. Anderson says that, “we work closely with family-owned workshops in Tuscany. Many of the employees are third or fourth generation, and some continue to come to the workshop even after retirement. That creates a deep sense of pride and expertise, which we share. We only partner with people who hold the same respect for quality, history, and craftsmanship as we do.” Latterly, they have partnered with a glass artisan workshop with a century of expertise to produce glass vases to house precious blooms and are evolving into new shapes and modern lines while remaining true to their identity.
A collection of Simona glazed vases. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter
For Bergs Potter, sustainability is both a practical and philosophical pursuit. “We value functionality and aesthetics equally. A product must be beautiful, but also user-friendly and durable,” says Andersen. “Our design process is thorough and lengthy, precisely to ensure timeless products. We choose glazes and colors carefully and avoid fleeting trends, so our products remain relevant for many years. Our goal is for people not only to buy our products for the present moment, but to pass them on to future generations. That’s sustainability in practice: quality, longevity, and conscious design.”
"Our goal is for people not only to buy our products for the present moment, but to pass them on to future generations. That’s sustainability in practice: quality, longevity, and conscious design."
Christian Andersen
For those seeking a more grounded life, Bergs Potter encourages the therapeutic power of tending to plants. “We live in an extremely digital age. That makes it even more important to create space for the analog. Plants engage our senses – smell, sight, and touch. Aesthetic appeal and good energy in the design stimulate the senses and create a sense of calm, which encourages people to grow plants. It becomes a slow, ceremonial activity that many people need in a hectic day.”
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Raw terracotta pots by Bergs Potter made of Italian clay. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
Handmade pots by Bergs Potter. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
From its humble wartime origins to its global presence today, Bergs Potter remains deeply rooted in its founding belief: that when plants and people grow together, life truly flourishes. According to Anderson, “we inspire people in places where they might not normally think about plants. When you buy furniture, textiles, or home accessories, you’re reminded that plants also belong in a complete home.” Each pot – whether nestled in a greenhouse, placed in a sunlit corner or gracing a balcony railing – embodies the spirit of that underpins Bergs Potter’s work. What began as a hopeful shop in Nørrebro is now a worldwide invitation to nurture, connect and grow.
Discover a range of Bergs Potter pots at the WLLW Shop.
Bergs Potter’s pots are made by skilled craftspeople. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter
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Daisy, Helena and Københavner pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
A terracotta pot being made in Italy. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
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A handcrafted Piccolina pot. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
A collection of Københavner pots. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter |
Helena and Københavner pots in the garden. Photo courtesy of Bergs Potter
Feature Image: collection of Københavner Pots courtesy of Bergs Potter
Photography: courtesy of Bergs Potter
