May is the first month in our financial year and so there has been an element of introspection - analysing our finances from last year, our work and general life as a whole these past 12 months. We’re celebrating our 8th birthday as Pottery West which is quite an achievement. But even though we’ve been spinning that wheel, firing those kilns, making our livings doing this for almost a decade, it is surprising how much there is to learn. Nothing stays still.

We have some of our pieces in charcoal and speckled white in the new concept by Anya Hindmarch - Bull in a China Shop.

We’re so thrilled to be part of Atelier Ellis’s inaugural exhibition at their new home in Bath’s artisanal Walcott Street.

On Sunday we unloaded the gas kiln after our firing on Friday. What a delight! Milky blue chuns, apple celadons and pale greys with lots of speckles and dramatic iron brushwork. This is quite a playful collection of work. Many pieces from this firing will be for sale online next Wednesday 17th May at 19:00 (UK time).

Last month I was invited to give a talk by the Yorkshire Artspace, for a group of ceramicists, all about the relationship between clay and storytelling. As someone who loves to write, I realised I hadn’t interrogated this aspect of our work in much detail before, and I found the process of putting together the talk fascinating. I thought I’d share elements of the talk in this journal post

Here in the UK we celebrate Mother’s Day this year on the 19th March. As a mother myself I would be very satisfied with a cup of tea and cuddle from my kids - but - sometimes it is nice to buy a gift too. I’ve selected five gifts from our shop I think would be lovely for Mother’s Day.