Newlands House
Photo from the potter's private collection
A collection of 'useful pots'
Photo from the potter's private collection
Created in the pottery at the back of Newlands House
Photo from the potter's private collection
Great fortune and great fun
By Bay Heriz-Smith
Eighteen years ago, in April 1989, after running the Iron Bridge Art Centre in Lower North Street, Exeter for ten years, my husband and I had the great fortune to find the flat we've been living in ever since. It's in an 1840's house, with big windows and high ceilings. Several other families live in the rest of the house and we all get on really well.
Many hours producing 'useful pots'
I am a potter - I taught pottery for fifteen years - and in 1990, Ross built a pottery for me at the back of the house. I've got a gas kiln and have spent many hours producing my 'Useful Pots' that I've exhibited three times in the Craft Case at the RAMM, and in other places. We also used to have a Christmas Sale of my work - stone bowls, mugs, jugs, lidded pots, plates, casseroles, teapots and vases - all over the flat, with hot mulls and wassail and nibbles - great fun.
Teaching how to throw on the wheel
I also teach a few people to throw on the wheel in my pottery, again just one at a time, and have much enjoyed making pots and weird clay creatures with our grandchildren. Also with my foreign students, because in 1990 I did a TEFL qualification and we ran one-to-one intensive residential English language courses here. They came usually for two and three weeks. They had all their meals with us and I showed them the beauties of Devon.