I started pottery whilst at school in 2004, I then studied A-level ceramics at Astor College for the Arts in Dover, Kent.I continued my training at Aylesford pottery, eventually making pots for their shop.
In 2008 I decided to start my own pottery business in Capel-Le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent.
Since being self employed, I mainly exhibit at craft shows and supply shops and galleries. I also became a member of The Sussex Guild at the start of 2010, and exhibit at most of their shows.

Technical Information

Crystalline glazing is time consuming & expensive to produce. There can be many failures, but when all goes well the effects are stunning.

All of my pots are hand thrown in porcelain, one of the more difficult clays to throw, especially large pots. Crystalline glaze is mixed using a variety of ingredients, some measured in minute amounts. It is applied very thick, up to 4mm to encourage the glaze to run. The pot is then placed on a pedestal and stands in a dish, to catch the run-off during the firing.

When the kiln reaches the maximum temperature (up to 1300c). It is then rapidly cooled to a specific holding temperature. This is the time when the crystals form in the glaze. The amount of time held at this temperature contributes to the size of the crystals, which occur randomly, making each pot unique.

When all has cooled down, there is the delicate process of removing the pot from the pedestal and grinding the bottom smooth.

View my website http://www.matthornepottery.co.uk/