Approaches to Clay: Demonstration with Ruthanne Tudball

Ridge Pottery is pleased to announce a day-long demonstration from renowned potter Ruthanne Tudball on the 3rd of August 2025.

Making soda-glazed pots from her studio in Norfolk, Ruthanne is known for her unique and playful approach to clay.

“ Manipulating soft clay and feeling the material respond to the merest touch is like setting out on an exciting journey for me. The dialogue that goes on between the maker and the clay is carried out through the use of the pots. You pour, you eat, you store, you serve and you drink from them, and sometimes you just contemplate them. All of my work is manipulated and assembled while wet in an attempt to capture the softness in the finished piece. After firing and transforming the clay to stone, that softness can still be seen.”

Born and brought up in California, Ruthanne moved to the UK in 1968, and taught herself to throw on a potter’s wheel whilst studying English Literature at Reading University. In 1987 she began a postgraduate ceramics course at Goldsmiths University, where she spent her time researching soda glazing. In 1995 her popular book ‘Soda Glazing’ was published by A&C Black.

Ruthanne is an Honorary Fellow of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain, an elected member of the International Academy of Ceramics and a member of the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society.

At our studio deep in the Somerset countryside, Ruthanne will demonstrate her distinctive approach to making as she enters a new phase of her work focusing on handbuilding.

The day’s workshop will focus extensively on Ruthanne’s practice, taking an in-depth look at her approach to clay, exploring various forms and vessels, capturing the soft, fluid quality she is known for.

Participants are encouraged to be curious and ask questions; and are sure to come away feeling confident to experiment and expand their own practices in both throwing and handbuilding.

Times are 10am – 4pm with breaks for lunch and refreshments.

Cost is £60 per person.

Refreshments are included in the cost however lunch is not. There is an option to go to the local café for lunch. Please let us know in advance if this is your preference.

Please contact douglas@mud2fire.com to book your space.