Pioneering Potteries: Studio Pottery Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis
The Museum in the Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF
Friday 20th November 2026 10:30AM
Pioneering Potteries: Studio Pottery in the South West
From St. Ives to Coleshill to Winchcombe, many of the early studio potteries were in the South West, and were inspired by the vernacular potteries of the area. In this talk Kirsty Hartsiotis explores the history and characters of the ceramics scene in the region since Bernard Leach set up his pottery in Cornwall in 1920, and looks closely at the work of Leach’s first pupils Michael Cardew, whose Winchcombe Pottery, celebrates its centenary this year, and Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie just over the border in Oxfordshire, as well as examining the many potters and country potteries that followed, from Ray Finch, Ivan and Kay Martin, Toff Milway and many more.
Kirsty will also look at pioneering ceramics education from the mid-20th century in centres like Bristol, Bath Academy and Swindon and what the ceramics scene in the area looks like today. Kirsty is one of the curators of the current exhibition, Beneath the Surface: A Century of Studio Ceramics in Britain at the museum where she works, Museum and Art Swindon.
No refreshments included, but teas and coffees can be purchased from the Museum's mini foyer café.
Ticket holders are entitled to a half-price hot drink before or after the event.
This event takes place in the Museum's Meeting Room (next to the Art Gallery). Duration approx. 45 minutes to one hour.
Image: 'Pioneering Potter' cover image, copyright Winchcombe Pottery
From St. Ives to Coleshill to Winchcombe, many of the early studio potteries were in the South West, and were inspired by the vernacular potteries of the area. In this talk Kirsty Hartsiotis explores the history and characters of the ceramics scene in the region since Bernard Leach set up his pottery in Cornwall in 1920, and looks closely at the work of Leach’s first pupils Michael Cardew, whose Winchcombe Pottery, celebrates its centenary this year, and Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie just over the border in Oxfordshire, as well as examining the many potters and country potteries that followed, from Ray Finch, Ivan and Kay Martin, Toff Milway and many more.
Kirsty will also look at pioneering ceramics education from the mid-20th century in centres like Bristol, Bath Academy and Swindon and what the ceramics scene in the area looks like today. Kirsty is one of the curators of the current exhibition, Beneath the Surface: A Century of Studio Ceramics in Britain at the museum where she works, Museum and Art Swindon.
No refreshments included, but teas and coffees can be purchased from the Museum's mini foyer café.
Ticket holders are entitled to a half-price hot drink before or after the event.
This event takes place in the Museum's Meeting Room (next to the Art Gallery). Duration approx. 45 minutes to one hour.
Image: 'Pioneering Potter' cover image, copyright Winchcombe Pottery
Event Details
Starts at 10:30AM
