MEET THE POTTER

  Andrew, The Painswick Potter, is a ceramic artist with over 30 years of experience. His passion for wheel thrown ceramics began in the mid-eighties where he studied pottery at Wellington College. With the encouragement and support of his parents, he set up his first pottery studio at his family home near Windsor at 18, sparking what would become a lifelong creative journey.

After his studies, Andrew then worked around the world — yet pottery was never far away. Wherever he went he found ways to keep making and firing pots. From Borneo, Oman and Houston to Holland and Scotland - these experiences have left lasting impressions, enriching his approach to form, texture and colour.

Now back home in Painswick, Andrew has turned his focus to mastering what he fondly calls “the alchemy of pottery” — Raku. The word Raku, meaning “Joy” in Japanese, is a fitting description for both the process and the outcome. Andrew has adapted and refined this ancient technique, experimenting with one of the most challenging yet rewarding forms of ceramic art. His journey with Raku has been filled with discovery, creativity, and the occasional (and inevitable) frustration that comes from working with fire and clay.

Together with the help of his (sometimes reluctant !) wife, Andrew has created a beautiful and ever-evolving range of Raku ceramics, each piece reflecting his love of the craft and his connection to the rolling landscape of the Cotswolds that surrounds his home and studio.

 I make a range of Raku ceramics both functional and sculptural, including tall vases, wine sleeves and moon jars. 

No two pieces can ever be the same as every creation is shaped by the unpredictable dance of fire, smoke and air during the raku process. The result is a collection of ceramics rich in texture, colour, and character, pieces that hold the energy of transformation and the beauty of imperfection, perfect for bringing warmth and artistry into any space.