Penny & John established Lansdown Pottery in 1999.
Their pottery is mainly functional reduction high-fired stoneware in a gas kiln. Additionally, they make one-off pieces. Their classic palette of glazes are strongly influenced by the Orient.
They run training and education classes for the public, local schools and colleges.
All work is dishwasher safe and oven-proof.
Our Story
Penny West
I began my career as a potter in 1999 when we opened Lansdown Pottery in the Centre for Science and Art in Stroud as a teaching and making workshop.
My background before pottery was as a weaver and a teacher, so I changed working with the softness of yarn to the transformation of clay into items to be used.
I mainly make domestic stoneware pots which are part of the Lansdown Pottery range and I also join John in the adventures of soda firing in our wood kiln. I also teach our pottery classes.
John West
Some years ago we stopped off at Coventry Cathedral to break up a long journey. What stood out among the many beautiful images from our visit was the Baptismal Font, created from a large boulder brought from Bethlehem and inscriber with the emblem of a large scallop shell, to hold the water.
The impression of this boulder became an image, a metaphor, of the way in which I regard my work. In its simplicity can be found the beauty of function and the realisation that beauty is also a function in the way that it enhances our lives.
I feel that my work is the synthesis of many influences; Asian, European and African. I find that I can be as enthusiastic about a piece of medieval English slipware as I do a piece of modern salt-glaze. What is important is the way in which the making, decoration and firing combine in order to create a harmonious wholeness.
I work in high-fired stoneware, firing my work in a gas kiln. My work is almost entirely functional with an emphasis towards being used in the home or garden. Additionally, I make wood and soda fired pottery, again mainly functional, using firing techniques and locally found materials to create unique surfaces and textures.
