Previous Potters Open Days
2025
2024
2023
On Sunday 19th March 2023 at the Trestle Theatre, St Albans, we had three eminent Ceramic Artists join us in person to demonstrate their magic.
Kay Aplin: Ceramic House Brighton – kayaplin.com
Sally MacDonell: Figurative ceramics – macdonell-ceramics.co.uk
Keith Brymer Jones: Potter Designer, Judge – keithbrymerjones.com
2022
SATURDAY 26TH MARCH – our first hybrid event, IN PERSON and on Zoom.
Themed, ‘Wood Firing’, our keynote lecture was beamed all the way from Australia with Pie Bolton, Jack Latti and Sandy Lockwood discussing their amazing kilns and wood firing challenges. Sabine Nemet and Ben Brierley performed superb LIVE demonstrations and also gave fascinating wood firing talks at a new venue for us this year; the University of Hertfordshire.
We received great feedback for delivering an ambitious, technically challenging day. Tickets were made available, once again, through our account on Eventbrite, with detailed pre-event information about the programme/housekeeping for both IN PERSON and Zooming attendees. Due to continuing increase of Covid 19 cases in March 2022, we were glad to offer both options to members.
Tickets included a light cold lunch and all tea/coffee refreshments, watching the discussion (via the screening facilities) with Australian potters and live demonstrations from two UK potters, and the opportunity to: chat to fellow enthusiasts, purchase pottery supplies from Blue Matchbox, view and purchase our demonstrators’ work and take part in our raffle (includes work donated by our demonstrators). The lecture theatre was large and airy and there was ample free parking on site.
2021
SATURDAY 13TH MARCH
The March 2021 event was held on Zoom for the first time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Open to members and non-members who purchased tickets through Eventbrite (£12.50 plus £1.09 booking fee), the Guild hosted internationally renowned artists Ester Beck, professor Vasu Reddy and Vidya Thirunarayan choreographer and potter, who engaged in a conversation and performance based on centring – the unscripted and unexpected.
Sasha Wardell also contributed to the programme – another internationally recognised ceramicist for her pioneering approach to bone china production and Thomas Bohle demonstrated double walled wheel thrown vessels. You can see a YouTube video of Thomas Bohle’s presentation here: https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DgYIqnpOk4Yk&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ca9888814271a4958a7dc08d93b1e77ae%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637605824299312758%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=ohbnBnwXWexVEAM0Dg3lBpDp%2Fv4NdHlo3r9E%2BU5OOng%3D&reserved=0
Members, please note, you can email our chair, Mary Anne, for links to other videos from the day.
2020
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH
Three charismatic Potters took to the stage for the 2020 DCPG annual Potters Open Day; Professor Stephen Dixon, Wendy Lawrence, Brendan Hesmondhalgh. Stimulating talks and informative demonstrations, with works on sale, homemade refreshments available and desirable raffle prizes.
See video of Brendan demonstrating on our Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9cGv48ggtO/
See video of Wendy demonstrating on our Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9bqqw2AZN0/
See April 2020 Newsletter for full review of the brilliant event!
Venue: Sandpit Theatre, Sandringham School, St Albans AL4 9AX
www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
01727 799565
Date & Time: Saturday March 7th 2020 – 9.30am – 5.00pm