When ACE began in 1989, pottery was one of the first activities chosen by its members and it remains very popular today. Currently, 12 students are creating fascinating works of art under the skilful tutorship of Tessa Amies.

Until 2006, when the new Adult and Community Learning premises were built, all pottery teaching and pottery crafting took place in a very cramped, former boiler room.  But now, the room has been rejuvenated as a work room only, thanks to a National Lottery grant from ‘Awards for All’. It has been redecorated and equipped with new shelving, washing facilities, safety measures, a large kiln and a spray booth.  A further donation from Gemini Radio has provided a ‘damp cupboard’ to store partially completed pottery pieces, in the right conditions, between lessons as well as a supply of clay and glazes.  Lessons now take place in a spacious art and crafts room in the new building where more students can attend and the improved equipment facilitates more sophisticated creations.

The picture gallery records some of the past art works created by the class.

Their present project is to produce hanging pots from coiled clay.  Each pot is formed in conventional plant pots then glazed and fired.