With another series of The Great Pottery Throwdown on the telly, potters, ceramics course providers, manufacturers of pottery equipment and clay suppliers are riding a considerable wave of interest. We’ve been offering remarkable pottery experiences from our idyllic Herefordshire studio for nearly 30 years. Whenever GPTD hits the screens, we are inundated with course participants and wannabe potters, most of whom are sampling the delights of the potter’s wheel for the very first time.
Having been inspired by the programme, our students soon discover the magical attraction of throwing clay, the very same, no doubt that enticed GPTD contestants to start making in the first place.
Here’s a few reasons why making pottery on the potter’s wheel is so popular.
To achieve a ‘good pot’, you must concentrate on what you are doing. So much so, there is little capacity to dwell on anything other than the clay in hand. All the ‘other stuff’ fizzing around your head dissolves and a sense of well-being and relaxation prevails. Making pottery is a go to activity for many wishing to unwind after the rigors of the day. Just try and find a pottery evening class with less than a three-year waiting list!
Under correct tuition, throwing a pot is a skill easily attainable in a short space of time. The sense of achievement produced by making your very own pot, for all its wobbles and imperfections, is undeniable.
Doing anything with others often amplifies enjoyment of the activity. Although classes at Eastnor Pottery are small, individuals and couples’ bond over the experience of making – a creative community is established and the camaraderie between participants is tangible. On our Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel class , participants share a wheel between two, taking turns to make pots. Just as much technique can be learnt watching your potting partner as when you are sat at the wheel yourself. Shared experience – you can’t beat it!
The excitement and exhilaration of trying something for the first time makes for a memorable experience. You always remember the ‘first time’ and making something with your very own hands reinforces that memory…quite literally ‘making’ memories.
Above all, the potter’s wheel is great fun. What can be more hilarious than watching somebody grapple with a lump of wet, spinning mud!? The audible joy and laughter emanating from Eastnor Pottery on a Saturday afternoon is life affirming.
If you would like to experience the benefits of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel then please take a look at our ever so popular Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel Class or if you fancy a totally immersive experience, our weekend and one day Potter’s Wheel Courses might be just the thing.
The Great Pottery Throwdown is currently broadcast every Sunday at 7.45pm on Channel 4. It’s also repeated on More 4 on a Friday evening at 7.45pm.
