Pottery!

11:10am Wednesday 12th December 2007

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Wirral Potters are holding their annual exhibition in West Kirby Library. Their displays of beautiful ceramic art have proved popular in previous years. The contributing potters each have their own distinct style, and the range of work offers something for all tastes.

My interest in pottery goes back a number of years. I once worked as a tour guide and pottery assistant for Pretty Ugly Pottery, who used to be located on the King's Dock in Liverpool. We made a small range of novelty mugs, tankards, teapots and similar, all decorated with hand-made caricature faces. Coach loads of international tourists, as well as local school groups, would be guided through the production area to watch clay being thrown on the potters' wheel, which always held peoples' attention. Then they would learn how we added the clay faces and handles, how the clay was dried and glazed then fired in the huge electronic kiln. In the Have A Go' area, people were able to try their own hand at creating a face on a mug. Once that had been fired, it was mailed to their homes.

It would be interesting to hear if anyone remembers visiting Pretty Ugly Pottery, which closed down around eight years ago.