News
Another Successful Exhibition At The Bovey Craft Festival
This year’s WPA exhibition at Craft Festival on 17-19 June was a great success with 22 WPA members selected to exhibit. We sold over £2,400 worth of their work and signed up 23 new members. Thanks to all those who managed the stand setup, stewarding and generally supporting the event. Next year’s Craft Festival will take place from 9-11 June.
New book by Claire Ireland – SURFACE DECORATION FOR CERAMICS – available from Nov 2022
A book by Claire Ireland on decorative techniques and inspiration for the ceramicist Available from November 2022. This practical and beautiful book covers a wide range of inventive, decorative techniques and encourages the maker to be adventurous and experimental. With so many ideas and clear, practical instructions, this book is an essential reference for makers of all levels, with the…
Russell Kingston demonstration “full of playfulness and spirit of experimentation”
Nearly 30 members attended Longdown village hall for a enthusiastic and energetic demonstration by Russel. Taking us through his skills as a production thrower Russell produced various different forms, and generously gave us technical details about kiln building, slips and the glazes he uses. Rose Ellis has kindly written an article with more information, including the recipes! Due to appear…
Review of 2021
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic we were pleased to have been able to offer a wide range of activities both ‘in person’ and ‘virtual’ last year. These included demonstrations by Wendy Kershaw, Patricia Shone, Craig Underhill, Arwyn Jones, Emily Myers, Chris Bramble and Brendan Hesmondhalgh along with a discussion by Mary Fox from her home in Canada. Our thanks…
New Website Officer and Membership Secretary take up their roles (March 2022)
We are very pleased to welcome Sonya Wilkins as our new Website Officer – our thanks go to Alison Hannah who previously held the post and launched this new website in 2021. Sonya’s position was confirmed at our AGM in March. More recently, Miranda Qualtrough has taken over from Norma Harris as Membership Secretary co-opted by committee. Norma has been…
Craig Underhill: A day of inspiration and expertise (November 2021)
Craig Underhill led the demonstration and workshop with WPA members on Sunday 7th November. Sharing his story, advice and skills with an eager and receptive audience over over 50 potters he shared his personal journey from Fine Art undergraduate at Portsmouth Polytechnic to renowned sculptor as he his today. The demonstration featured the creation of a range his sculptural forms,…
WPA stand a roaring success at Craft Festival (September 2021)
Congratulations to all those involved with our stand at the Bovey craft festival during 10-12 September. We recruited twelve new members, welcome all, we look forward to meeting you in the future. With work exhibited from twenty of our members it was no surprise sales were impressive. Thanks for all the hard work of our exhibitions team, exhibitors, stewards and…
WPA holds successful online AGM (May 2021)
Over 50 members attended a lively online AGM on Sunday 23rd May 2021. Having been forced to cancel the AGM in 2020 we experimented with an online meeting in 2021 using the experience gained through our successful series of online demonstrations. The meeting reviewed our work over the past year and agreed that our membership fees would remain unchanged for…
Jim Robison online demonstration now available to view on his website (May 2021)
In March we were fortunate to have an online demonstration by renowned maker Jim Robison from his studio in Holmfirth. We are pleased to report that you can now view the video on that demonstration on Jim’s website at this link.
Chris Bramble demonstration (May 2021)
Over 60 members were treated to an excellent masterclass combining throwing and modelling on Saturday 1st May. Everyone was most appreciative of Chris’s skill and knowledge. A full write-up will appear in the July/August issue of our magazine.
Brendan Hesmondhalgh demonstrates figurative sculpture (April 2021)
On Saturday 10th April, over 90 Westcountry Potters Members attended Brendan’s excellent demonstration of his methods and techniques in creating his sculptures. Mainly working in Ashraf Hanna clay, he builds large figurative pieces based on mainly animal forms. During the event, Brendan demonstrated the steps towards the creation of a life-size lurcher. A range of advice and tips learned from…
Renowned sculptor Jim Robison inspires fellow ceramicists (March 2021)
Sculptor, ceramicist and author, Jim Robison shared his inspiration and joy with WPA members. As a committed teacher with a passion for ceramics his demonstration on Saturday 6th March provided members with an insight into his influence, history and practice. Click here to view his full gallery of work. Many more members have gained from the opportunity to connect with…