ClayCraft

Happy new year! After a mild start to winter, it’s now cold and frosty and feeling a lot more seasonal. I like this time of year. The pressure building up to Christmas is over, and there’s time to slow down, take stock and plan for the coming months.

Editor: Rachel Graham; claycraft.ed@kelsey.co.uk Consultant editors: Jacqui Atkin, Kevin Millward Contributors: Jacqui Atkin, Linda Bloomfield, Doug Fitch, Kevin Millward, Tracey Parsons, Simon Shaw Project photography: Philip Wilkins p.wilkins@btint

Contemporary Raku, a new book by Stephen Murfitt, explores the history of this ancient firing method, explains making, glazing and firing methods, and draws on the inspirations and techniques of contemporary potters to create a compelling read. Very

The dates and venues for the Potfest events of 2022 are now available, including a new show in the South East. Forms and more details can be found at: www.potfest.co.uk/exhibit In issue 57’s catch-up with previous Throw Down contestants, Shenyue’s na

Ceramic Wales will take place on the 11th and 12th of June. The event has moved from its previous location. It will be brought to you in collaboration with Bodrhyddan Hall, combining the ceramics event with the long-established Bodrhyddan Plant Fayre

In November 2020, Leeds potter, Lorna, of Lorna Gilbert Ceramics, had a wonderful idea. Having been closely involved with her favourite local charity, she was painfully aware of the pandemic’s impact on charities’ ability to fundraise. She pondered o

Last month I started a series on glaze basics, materials and the equipment needed to make a glaze from scratch. This month I will cover how a glaze is made. It is similar to making a cake; you weigh out the dry ingredients, add to water, mix, apply t

Join us for step-by-step makes, tips and inspiration. Inside every issue of ClayCraft you’ll find practical hands-on guides to our projects – throwing and hand-building; Linda Bloomfield’s regular feature on glazes, and Doug Fitch’s diary column. Oth

I have known Wendy for many years but never visited her studio, so on a glorious day in November, I set out from my home in Shropshire on the border with Wales to visit her at home in Denbigh, some 30 miles away. It was one of those gifts of a day wh

What was it like returning as a judge for the second time? It was really lovely – it felt like being back with the family! The first series definitely gave me more confidence and it was really gratifying to be asked back. I have been with the series

You had to step in on this series of The Great Pottery Throw Down, how did you feel when you got the call? I was absolutely delighted. I have always wanted to work with Love Productions because I love the shows they make. I really enjoy watching peop

We know that you couldn’t make it to the series until Episode 7 because of an injury. How are you now? I broke my leg, but I am healing very well now and have ditched the crutches. I hope to be running around the place and dancing soon, and maybe nex

It’s the day after Boxing Day, as I sit typing this at the dining room table. We have spent Christmas surrounded by family, united in love, but also by grief. Hannah’s lovely mum was taken from us by covid a couple of weeks before Christmas. There ar

£5.99 PER ISSUE INCLUDING P&P • Thrown bird bath • Garden oya • Pinched dogs • MKM Tools spotlight • Eastcott Studio update • Zinc oxide glazes • Thrown bowl • Pinch/slab olive dish • Slab cracker dish • Wide salad bowl • Using slips • Potfest – owne

At the beginning of 2021, an Anglian Potters demo day with Keith Brymer Jones had to be postponed. Thankfully, Keith and the Anglian Potters team leapt into action and were able to create a wonderful online event as an alternative. After entertaining

Do you run a course that you’d like to see here? Email claycraft.ed@kelsey.co.uk for free inclusion in our listing Courses: Handbuilding & throwing day class drop-in. Night and weekend classes. 1-1 tuition & Raku classes. Suitable for all levels. Ope