About Us
We are the Westcountry Potters Association
A voluntary organisation, WPA is a network linking people with a shared interest in clay, whether as makers or collectors at any level.
Since 2010, our Honorary President has been the renowned Devon potter Tim Andrews.
A message from our Honorary President
Pottery is a great leveler. The pitfalls and technical problems it constantly throws at even the most experienced practitioners keeps egos at bay and binds us into a strong community of makers. Throughout my potting life I have been hugely grateful for the help, encouragement and patient advice given by mentors, colleagues and friends. Whether we are puzzling over strange glaze happenings or just offering a sympathetic ear when disaster strikes, the generosity of spirit of potters is striking.
It was at a conference of potters and enthusiasts many years ago that I first had a dot-joining moment of revelation that this muddy material we were all interested in could, with passion, care and integrity, be transformed into objects of importance and great beauty.
So I was delighted and humbled to be invited to become the Honourary President of the Westcountry Potters Association – a wonderfully active organisation that welcomes beginners, students, amateur and professional potters as well as collectors and indeed anyone passionate about clay.
An old Turkish proverb says ‘A cup of coffee commits one to forty years of friendship’. For potters a coffee cup can do the same.
- Tim Andrews
We aim to provide a stimulating and rewarding mix of events and exhibitions, together with an informative and lively magazine.
![WPA[M169] proof 02 Mar-1-page-001](https://westcountrypotters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WPAM169-proof-02-Mar-1-page-001-scaled.jpg "WPA[M169] proof 02 Mar-1-page-001")
Westcountry Potters Magazine
Published six times a year, the Magazine includes articles, views and information likely to be of interest to potters in or near the south west. Reviews of recent demonstrations, workshop visits and exhibitions are combined with information about future events. It is a very useful vehicle for the exchange of ideas, and contributions from the membership are always welcome.
Events and activities
The association holds a variety of social and educational activities throughout the year. These include demonstrations, workshops and visits to potters’ studios, as well as museum and factory tours.
Past events include:
- Online demonstrations by John Stroomer (Australia), Doug Fitch & Hannah McAndrew, Jim Robison
- demonstration days with Jeremy Nichols, Paul Wearing, Tim Andrews, Christine Gittings
- studio visits to RAMP, Adela Powell, Douglas Phillips, Elizabeth Smith, Michael Taylor, Lea Phillips, Chris Taylor
- hands on workshops with NDCAaS and Sue Luker
- guided tours of WBB Minerals clay pits; British Ceramic Tile Ltd factory; Plymouth Museum (including pot-handling session)
- woodfired kiln building weekend with Steve Mills
- Raku kiln building workshop
- social firing days with raku, smoke and newspaper kilns
Annual events include:
- the AGM, which always features a free demonstration by a leading potter. Download our previous WPA AGM demonstrators since 1993
- a social meal held after Christmas at an arts venue such as Dartington Hall, Devon Guild, Broomhill Art Hotel or Burton Museum and Art Gallery, Bideford, giving members the opportunity to combine catching up with news and enjoying good food, together with a talk or exhibition
- Potters’ Markets. Traditionally we have staged a market each summer on the Quay at Exeter, giving all members an excellent opportunity to sell their work direct to the public. In 2020 we held our first market in the Butchers Hall, Tavistock, which we plan to make an annual event each Autumn. Visitors love being able to handle and buy good quality ceramics and chat to the makers.
WPA exhibitions
We strive to provide a variety of galleries and venues for our members to show their work, and are always seeking new possibilities. We hope to schedule at least two exhibitions per year, including one with open selection.
WPA members offering public courses
A number of WPA members run courses for members of the public either in their own studios or in shared facilities.
For a list of members offering courses please visit this page.
AGM Minutes
Please click below to download the Minutes of the 2023 AGM.
Constitution
Please click below to download our Constitution.
1993 to the present day: The Westcountry Potters Timeline
Commencing in 1993, members of the Westcountry Potters Association have been meeting, making and firing for over two decades. Acknowledgements and thanks are due to everyone who has contributed to this ongoing history of the Association.