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white hand thrown tea pot with black spotted spout, surrounded by hand modeled red dragon

It’s mostly adults who enjoy our Weekend Potter’s Wheel Courses here at Eastnor Pottery but every once in a while we’ll entertain a teenager or young person. We love the dynamism and creative flair the junior potters bring to the table.

GCSE art student Ellie was no exception.

Ellie was gifted one of our weekend courses as a Christmas present last year and attended a fully booked event in the Spring 2021. On day two, you can  assemble the pots from the previous day into a single work of ceramic art. Ellie was keen to make a Dragon Tea Pot and threw all the components (spout, lid etc) on Saturday. On Sunday all the bits and pieces were leather hard and perfect for scratch and slipping together. We think she made an amazing job of her mission – Well done Ellie!
white hand thrown tea pot with black spotted spout, surrounded by hand modeled red dragon

white hand thrown tea pot with black spotted spout, surrounded by hand modeled red dragon

white hand thrown tea pot with black spotted spout, surrounded by hand modeled red dragon

white hand thrown tea pot with black spotted spout, surrounded by hand modeled red dragon taken from a birds eye view

two best friends taking part on weekend pottery course holding pots they made

two friends taking part in pottery weekend course on their wheels throwing pots

Poppy & Meg have been best friends ever since nursery and share a love and enthusiasm for making pottery. The pair from the West Midlands enrolled on our Potter’s Wheel Weekend Course at the beginning of May to fine tune their skills and technique.

lady throwing pot on weekend pottery course surrounded by pots she had thrown previously

Poppy purchased her own wheel during the first Lockdown and soon after, Meg got one too. With-in a short space of time the girls have established their own Pottery studios in sheds at home and attend evening classes together every Wednesday. “we live for our Wednesday evenings!”

a selection pots thrown on weekend pottery course

lady holding mugs made on weekend pottery course in the pottery studio

lady throwing plate on weekend pottery course leaning over to throw

pot and plate thrown on pottery weekend course

Both thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and one day hope to pot full time. They were also kind enough to write a Google review:

“Myself and a friend attended the 2 day pottery course recently and had the greatest time. Both Jon and Sarah were incredibly down to earth and made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxing. We were allowed to experiment and play with new clay and forms. I felt I came away having learnt some very valuable lessons and tips to apply to my future throwing. The location was beautiful, encompassed by nature. When more restrictions are lifted, it would be great to explore the surrounding areas more. I cannot say enough good things about the entire experience. I look forward to going back soon.”

lady holding a painted mug and plate made on weekend pottery course

two best friends taking part on weekend pottery course holding pots they made in the pottery studio

leaning tower of pisa pot painted

Meet Katie Glover new apprentice

We’re as pleased as punch to welcome Katie to the team. Hurrah!

Katie’s our new and talented Junior Content Producer Apprentice and is being trained in collaboration with Creative Alliance in Birmingham. One of her first tasks here at the Pottery was to write an introduction for our website:

“After completing my BA Hons in Textile Design in 2020 at Falmouth University, I wasn’t sure not what to do next. With months of uncertainty, I was offered an apprenticeship as a Junior Content Producer with Eastnor Pottery. I’d completed a week of work experience at the Pottery in the summer of 2019. I remembered my time being filled with potting skills, beautiful scenery, camaraderie and lots of laughter. How could I turn down a chance to work with Jon and Sarah again!?

Illustration is at the heart of my practice. During lockdown I have set up in business as a freelance designer. I have an Etsy shop selling a range of products including, amongst other things, cards, prints and stickers. My role as Junior Content Producer involves promoting fabulous courses and classes the Pottery offers. I’ll be getting to grips with their social media and promotional material, capturing the customers experience.

After the apprenticeship, I will have the confidence and skills to further pursue my career in the arts. Although illustration will always play apart, working as a junior content producer will provide me with a variety of new tools and skills. I am sure my time at the Pottery will be a fantastic learning experience and tremendous fun!

Below are some examples of my work including some pots I made during my work experience at the Pottery in 2019.”

Pot illustrated painted with seals and waterSelection of small animal and drinks themed cardsleaning tower of pisa pot paintedleaning tower of pisa pot written text wonky potselection of prints cats and dogs framed and unframed

clay handmade campervan painted green on grass with flowers in the background

call for applications for next series of pottery throwdown

call for applications for next series of pottery throwdown

Are you looking to throw yourself into a new challenge? Maybe you simply want to show the nation your work? Submit your application to take part in Series 5 of The Great Pottery Throw Down. www.applyforpotterythrowdown.co.uk

Applications close Sunday 11th April 2021

group of work colleagues do a pottery team building activity at eastnor pottery herefordshire

We’ve facilitated some pretty epic team building events in the past, often working with hundreds of participants in a day in venues all over the country. Check out our Flying Potter activities.

Things are a little different in the pandemic and when we can welcome businesses and organisations to the Pottery, the groups may be small, but the quality is HUGE!!!

Smaller participant numbers make for an intimate and meaningful experience with participants reporting comradery and improved communication when they return to the workplace.