ARTISAN SECRETS AND GREAT WEST WAY MEMENTOS
This summer lots of our favourite craftspeople from the length of the Great West Way route are throwing open their doors once more and inviting us back to learn more about their artisan trades. With so much creativity your journey just isn’t complete without taking some time to discover them for yourselves. Words | Samantha Campbell
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he Great West Way is a great place to explore the world of ceramics, book into a workshop to learn alongside other like-minded participants, or simply drop in to meet the fantastic artists at home in their pottery studios. Pottery is a catalyst for so much more – feeling great, slowing down and making time for ourselves doing something that feels really nourishing.
Meet the Makers
Conveniently situated close to Swindon town centre, The Eastcott Studios Pottery studio has everything you need to 'get creative'. Try your hand at ‘pot throwing’ on a potter's wheel, paint-a-pot and learn the techniques of coiling, pinching and slabbing. Fired Thoughts Ceramic Arts Studio’s have two studios, one in Devizes and another in Swindon, offering weekly courses and weekend workshops. You might like to stay at one of the many local hotels, bed and breakfast and campsites nearby and stay for a course (see our accommodation section page 94). In Wiltshire, Jane Scott Ceramics has moved to lovely new premises in Corsham while over in Bradford on Avon everyone is welcome by the Winsley Pottery Club who meet in the Church Hall for a workshop every Saturday between 10am and 12 noon. Call 01225 722107 to book your place, price is £12 per session to include refreshments.
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GreatWestWay.co.uk
A short detour south of the route you will find Enigma Pottery Studio and Gallery in Frome. Launched by Jenny Barton after graduating from Bath Spa University with a degree in Ceramic Design, the pottery studio is situated at the bottom of a picturesque walled garden to the rear of her impressive Grade II listed house and gallery. Book in for a one or two hour pottery making party, or join in the fun of her seasonally inspired pottery workshops like Easter Egg painting, Mothers Day gift making, Summer workshops and Christmas Decoration Making.
