Welcome!

This long established workshop is rethinking itself into a CERAMIC CAFÉ.

The pots won't change but we invite visitors to watch, to learn, to chat over a coffee, to have-a-go, and perhaps to buy.

JOHN RIVERS is the potter, who has built his own gas kiln and digs his own clay locally.

PAT SMITH is the gentle presiding presence and occasional chef.

John pots to show and sell.

John and Pat run occasional courses: Saturday and weekend schools.

Pat has a real job, but also works in textiles and loves cooking.

Please follow the links above to discover more about Riddings Pottery.

Contact us at: riddingspottery@hotmail.com

News

In October 2005 twenty five 'Northern Potters' took over the OXO Tower Gallery on London's South Bank for what proved to be a very successful show. John was the 'top' seller among the exhibitors and enjoyed the experience but the time/costs/sales equation was still daunting. The NPA have been invited back for 2007 but he's opting out... tho' keen to hear of a good week-end fair/sales-point in London or to get the NPA into the South Bank Complex for a future show. Any suggestions from our readers in cyber-space?

We've now posted 2008 week-end course dates. - See COURSES.

In July 2009 we shall be offering a week-long course.

As to his work, John likes to feel it's always developing. The elusive 'copper red' glaze is a bit more biddable now though firings are going ever higher: up to cone 10 in gas.

He found a gorgeous poster showing all 26 letters and all 10 basic numbers photographed on butterfly or moth wings where they've evolved by chance - in fabulous colour configurations. A lot of recent pieces have been attempts to create glaze patterns along these lines. That, and the Hubble space photos are 2 pretty substantial challenges!

THIS JULY ON SUNDAY 20TH WE ARE HAVING AN OPEN DAY 11 - 5 p.m.

JOHN will be demonstrating all the processes at 12.00, 2.00 and 3.30. and 'the secret life of a pot' will be revealed, from the raw clay (dug a mile away) to the finished piece. We hope to include the potter's cyclical thrill - opening a real gas-kiln firing during the afternoon (a big home-built job from recycled bits); tho' firings always remain the lap of the Gods.

PAT's silk bags, collages and other textile creations will be on show and on sale. She can talk you through her techniques as well.

There is a big garden and refreshments will be available. FREE ENTRY!

Phone us nearer the time for details (01773 603181)