Our New Guest Maker - Eastnor Pottery
Eastnor Pottery
Eastnor Pottery - pictured here in our shop window - was established by Jon Williams and Sarah Monk in 1994. While looking for workshop space, they were offered a charming redundant cottage on the Eastnor Castle Estate. As their reputation and practice grew, they expanded next door, purchased more equipment, and began to share the magical space with others. They now combine making their own work with teaching others both on the wheel and hand building. Their creative short courses and workshops have been awarded ‘Experience of the Year Finalists 2024’ with Visit Herefordshire Tourism.
Sarah Monk
Sarah makes small batch slipware designs including a unique selection of flower bricks and kitchen wares. Her approach to potting is relaxed and playful, every piece is treated with an excitement and love of clay. Cups and bowls are wheel thrown; she slab builds flower bricks and press-mould plates. Slips and colourful underglazes are brushed and splattered. Sgraffito designs are freely etched into the clay, making pieces pleasingly tactile. All creating happens at the wet clay stage and every piece is finished with a simple lead-free glaze. Sarah has been a professional member of the Craft Potters Association since 1994.
Jon Williams
As a child Jon loved messing about with clay in the garden. At the age of fifteen he encountered the head of his local art-school and in a blinding revelation, realised that ‘art’ could be a job. He went on to study ceramics and 3D design at Bath.
Jon now makes ceramic sculpture and decorative items, the majority of which have an interactive element. It is designed to be played with, shaken, struck, rocked, submerged in water, or filled with beads that rattle.
Clay is a fantastic medium. No matter how slight the interaction everyone can make their mark. Jon loves this attribute and aspires to make fired, ceramic objects that encourage the same sensory notion of engagement. His ceramics are designed to be touched, handled and played with.
We have a fine selection of Jon and Sara's work in the shop and you'll find details of their pottery courses here