News & For Sale
Pottery studio and shop to rent
I have a fully equipped pottery studio with shop in Mosterton, Dorset DT8 3HN. I am looking for potters to share with me. The pottery has a 3 phase electric kiln, 3 chamber wood fired kiln, Raku kiln, pug-mill, and blunger to mix clay and ball mill to mix glaze. In the past we have had 4 potters working in…
Clayfest@30 a great success
What a wonderful weekend. We certainly celebrated 30 years of Westcountry Potters Association in such a great way with so many exciting things to take part in or to watch. It is almost impossible to pick out the high points as there were so many but what stands out most was the way in which everyone joined in with such…
Can Potters Save the Earth?
For those who missed it, the recording of the Green Maker Initiative Webinar: Can Potters Save the Earth? is now available to watch here: Green Maker Initiative | Resources — MAKE Southwest
Request for collaboration with Cornwall-based potter
I’m looking for a Cornwall-based ceramicist to collaborate with me on a project that I am working on?I hope to find someone to make approx. 100 ceramic picture frames, using a custom slip cast mould (I can supply several production moulds). I’m also hoping to work with the ceramicist to design 3-4 different finishes for the frames. To get more…
Request for firing in the Totnes area
I’m looking for someone who would be willing to initially do one porcelain firing, and one at a lower temperature for my colour. Of course I would pay for the firing, and someone fairly near to Totnes would be great. I am a past student of The Plymouth College of Art on their ceramics, glass and metals BA course, and…
Demonstration by Tim Andrews at Woodbury Village Hall
On Saturday 4th November 2023, Tim rounded off our 30th Anniversary year in style with a delightful, witty and far-ranging presentation followed by an inspiring demonstration after lunch. All this was very much appreciated by the 120 members and guests who made up the full house audience many of whom took the opportunity of buying one of Tim’s pieces.
Rohde Frontloader Kiln for sale
Rohde Frontloader Kiln 150 N Incl: one year warranty, plus Temperature Control device, Furniture Set 16. Model: ELS-S series Size: Internal Dimensions (mm) W-460 x D-460 x H-680 External Dimensions (mm) W-800 x D-1080 x H-1730 Max Temp: …
Online Demonstration by Mark Dally (February 2023)
Mark demonstrated how he makes and decorates his highly distinctive sculptural and functional slip decorated pieces. The audience of over 50 learned so many useful tips about both slip trailing and stencil preparation and decoration. A full report will be published in our May/June magazine.
Online demonstration by Ellen Rijsdorp (January 2023)
Over 60 members and guests were treated to a wonderful demonstration by Ellen from her studio in Delft. She started outside the building showing us the classic view painted by Vermeer before turning to show the outside of the Huszár building designed by architects from De Stijl as a window factory, where Ellen and several other craftspeople have their studios….
Online demonstration by Susan O’Byrne (December 2022)
What an end to our 2022 demonstration programme. Susan O’Byrne delighted an audience of well over 60 with an enthralling demonstration covering her full making process from preparing the paper clay, through armature building, making the structural elements of the body and some wonderful decoration. A full report will be published in a future edition of the magazine. Click here…
Online Demonstration by Rachel Wood (November 2022)
Over 60 members enjoyed one our most inspiring online demonstrations courtesy of Rachel Wood. Rachel’s approach to surface texture and decoration is really fascinating and everyone thoroughly enjoyed her engaging presentation.
Online Demonstration by Lisa Katzenstein (September 2022)
Over 50 WPA members enjoyed Lisa’s online demonstration of her Modern Maiolica work. She uses a variety of techniques which are unfamiliar to many potters, including a sintering firing of the base glaze application prior to decoration and there were many questions which Lisa answered very thoroughly. You can take a look at Lisa’s work here.
Exeter Potters’ market a great success (July 2022)
We held our annual Potters’ Market on Exeter Quay on Saturday 30th July with over 20 members represented. The weather was kind and the quay was busy with brisk sales and some very positive feedback from both members and visitors alike.
Another Successful Exhibition At The Bovey Craft Festival (June 2022)
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.
Russell Kingston demonstration “full of playfulness and spirit of experimentation” (March 2022)
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…
Simon Griffiths’ online demonstration captivates members (January 2022)
Simon treated us to a wonderful demonstration of wildlife sculpture creating a life-size fox whilst explaining his various inspirations and techniques. A large audience of WPA members shared a real treat.
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…