Westgate Pottery

Living in an old terraced house I converted an old outhouse into a pottery studio and ordered a wheel and kiln, tools, clay and glaze off the internet. Whilst patiently waiting to reopen No30 I spent my spare time making pots, cups, teapots and many other ceramic items which once finished I would transport to the shop, whilst checking on it, and display ready for the day we could open.

When the news I had been waiting for finally arrived and No30 could be reopened my life changed again. At first, I kept my part-time job and with the help of staff, I ran the shop and worked but as restrictions eased and life started to resemble some sort of normality I gave up my little job. I was back at No30 full time which I absolutely love but I missed having as much time to make my pottery.

As I started to sell my ceramics in No30 customers asked if I had thought about giving lessons in my little studio at home. Although this seemed like a great idea I gave a friend some lessons and found the space was too small and it really wasn’t practical.

I then had the idea to move my studio to the space above my shop which was empty. It made perfect sense as I could spend my time between the pottery and my coffee shop. I now spend two days a week sharing my knowledge with people who come along to use the pottery space, materials and equipment. I also offer workshops making a particular item such as the Highland cow which has been very popular. I spend two days making my own ceramics to sell and I am normally in No30 one day a week and still bake and make all of the lunchtime food myself before I go up to the pottery.

Life is very busy and I have never been happier.