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Two of our alumni – Alice Shields and Steve Sales – who had their final degree show with us in September, have set up a new ceramics facility in Bristol. We wish them great success…

https://www.clayshed.co.uk

We are Clay Shed, a new purpose built ceramic studio soon to be opening in Redfield Bristol.

Our ethos is largely centred on developing the practice of emerging makers, or makers wishing to engage critically with their practice. Founded by recent MA Ceramic graduates from Bath Spa university, we recognise the significance of a supportive and critically dynamic environment established during a student’s time on their course. But what happens after graduation when that network disappears? Clay Shed aims to bridge the gap between university and setting up your own studio. Developing a community of like minded, enthusiastic and enquiring makers to help challenge and progress each other’s practices.

We will offer full time studio space to professional makers. Facilities will include a desk and shelving unit for each space, shared shelving and access to kilns, glaze and plaster area as well as wheels. Wifi and electric (excluding kiln firings) will be included in the rent. There will be a small kitchen with microwave, kettle and toaster as well as WC facilities. Clay Shed management will also be running classes from our workshop/teaching space. Studio holders will able to rent this space at a reduced fee to run their own workshops subject to timetable availability.
We are currently looking for tenants to join us. Studio spaces start from £135 and will be ready from early Jan 2019.  Please do share amongst recent graduates who may be interested in joining Clay Shed. You can follow our progress on our website www.clayshed.co.uk and on social media (Facebook and instagram)

We have also launched a crowdfunder to help raise a few extra funds. If you are interested in supporting our cause we wouldn’t say no!

MA Ceramics at Bath School of Art and Design is delighted to present a new film by the Joanna Bird Foundation:

Richard Batterham, Master Potter

Monday 22 October | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

BSAD, Sion Hill Lecture Theatre

 

A discussion between Joanna Bird and filmmaker Alex J. Wright will be chaired by Dr. Conor Wilson, after the screening.

The screening is free to all and there is no need to book.

 

We felt it was imperative to make a film about Richard Batterham – the last of a line; a potter of great distinction. He is a prime example of how one man with due talent, diligence and discipline can achieve a remarkable and successful lifetime’s work making pots which truly enhance life. Our aim for the film was to record Batterham’s philosophy as a legacy which we hope will inform and inspire those who see it.

We think this documentary will be of interest to practicing potters, teachers, collectors, journalists and enthusiasts. We are deeply grateful to Richard and to Alex J. Wright for all the time they have dedicated to the film, as we are to both Sir David Attenborough and Nigel Slater.

Joanna Bird

 

“This fine documentary is a deep dive into one man’s world of making, and the philosophy behind a life in pottery. The sense of accumulation – of time, of clay, of conviction – is palpable in every shot. We also hear from the magnificent David Attenborough and master chef Nigel Slater (who begins every day with his Batterham breakfast bowl). Their voices remind us that often, the most meaningful things in life are rooted in the everyday, indeed, in the dirt beneath our feet.” 

Glenn Adamson. Senior Research Scholar, Yale Centre of British Art 

Chris’s large sculpture, Gateway of Dreams, sited in the grounds of BSAD, Sion Hill:

Chris produced the work at Ibstock Cattybrook, in Almonsdbury, near Bristol. Many thanks to Ian Downie of the Specials Department…

Some of Ana Pichler Schmidt’s work in Su Daybell’s remarkable antiques shop, Twig of Tetbury:

We love to get ceramics into unusual spaces…

More images and article here.