News

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,…

Applications have now opened for Potfest events in 2022. In addition to the existing locations, including Compton Verney which was introduced this year, there are 2 new venues. For more details visit Potfest The dates are: Potfest SE – April 22nd, 23rd & 24th , 2022  – VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED SOON Potfest Scotland – June 10th, 11th & 12th,…

Bridport Arts Centre invites West Country makers and artists to feature in GIFTED – our Christmas selling exhibition at the beautiful Allsop Gallery from the 24th of November to the 22nd of December 2021. For more information and how to apply go to www.bridport-arts.com/gifted Deadline for entries: 9th of October

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…

The St Ives September Festival of music and arts will include a special screening of the 2013 documentary film about Warren Mackenzie, the celebrated American Potter apprenticed to Bernard Leach from 1949 to 1952. The film At St Ives Arts Club on Wednesday, September 15 (1pm) will be followed by a discussion and Q&A hosted by Roelef Uys, lead potter…

A new exhibition at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. Looks too good to miss. FREE Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon (barnstaplemuseum.org.uk)  

Westcountry Potter Member, Tiffany Scull features in the current issue of Ceramic Review.  Contacted by the editor earlier in the year, Tiffany was approached to be invited to feature in the Master Class section of the magazine. The video features the process of creating work step-by-step using both printed images and a film. Photographer Layton Thompson  spent the day with Tiffany…

Whilst it is still unclear exactly when we will be able to organise in person events and what form they may take, we have tried to include a mix of activities for the second half of the year. We have already published details of our Potters’ Markets in Exeter and Tavistock, and our stand at the Craft Festival in Bovey…

Work by ceramicist Liz Watts and painter Susan Thomson. Their combined work “celebrates the coming of summer in a confectionary of colour, surrounded by birds and flowers as we regain our freedom to meet and roam.” Ilminster Arts Centre, 35 East Street, Ilminster, Somerset  TA19  0AN (check website for days open)

WPA member Babs Kirkby, a member of Artwey, will be exhibiting in their huge marquee at Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UD, from the 22nd to 31st May between 10.30am and 4.00pm as part of this year’s Dorset Arts Weeks.

Tiffany Scull will be exhibiting during this year’s Dorset Art Weeks  On show will be an extensive selection of her sgraffito ceramics including a new and exciting tropical themed collection she has created especially for opening her studio. This is a great opportunity to talk to her about her journey, thoughts and how she designs and makes her unique and…

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.  

Our colleagues from the Cornwall Ceramics and Glass Group (CCGG) kindly extended an invitation to an exclusive online demonstration from renowned slipware potter John Pollex on Thursday 29th April. “Never pick up what you can’t put down.” Working with SWE white earthenware, John shared his tips for creating bottles, jugs and plates and for working in a studio.  In the…

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.

There are currently 2 spaces available on this specialist course: How to Make a Teapot 11 – 15 October 2021. 1 – 5 November 2021. For further details and to book go to  Leach Pottery

  These wonderful works by Helen Rondell feature alongside a painting by Karen Gimlinge. Now reopen, Vandlys Galleri is a new gallery featuring painters, studio ceramics and printmakers alongside glass and sculpture. Their premises on the Quay is in a beautiful location to soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant space in the heart of Exeter. Rosemary McGarr’s work are…

We are pleased that with the reopening of The Devon Guild in Bovey Tracey on Wednesday 14th April you can now go and view the WPA exhibition in the Riverside Gallery. Other work by WPA members is available to purchase in the shop. Please check the website for more details.

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…