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This page shows a sequence of pictures that follow the steps of making a pot. The photos were taken over a period of time so you will see different pots at the various stages.

Clay cut to weight on the right, Andrew at the wheel and turned pots on a board. Once full the board is moved to the shelves to dry to "'leather hard".

Close up of a small pot being thrown, note measuring stick, which combined with the correct weight of clay and the potter's eye gives consistent results for a set.

When the pot has dried to "leather hard" it is mounted on a clay chuck, centred on the wheel and turned, in much the same way as a woodworker turns wood, to finish the pot.

At this stage handles and other decoration may be added. Handles start as a roll of clay applied with slip to the top of the pot.

The handle is gently pulled into shape with a wet hand, bent into shape and fixed to the pot.

The medalion decoration is made by pressing clay into a plaster mould, and then applying with slip.

Turned pots with handles added, now waiting to dry before biscuit firing . Note the clay chuck in the background on the wheel.

After biscuit firing glaze is applied. Here the whole pot is being dipped in glaze. A rim must be free of glaze for the pot to stand on in the kiln, otherwise the glaze will melt and stick the pot to whatever it is in contact with.

Loading the big electric kiln at Fursbreck Pottery, to make use of all the available space.

See also:
Now and Then Notes and Letters
Applepot Blog
Fire and Clay
Articles by Andrew Appleby
Le Tourriol self catering farmhouse