In 2021, I took part in channel 4's 'The Great Pottery Throw Down.' The series is an intense, fast-paced ceramics competition that tests every aspect of a potter’s skill, creativity, resilience, and technical understanding under pressure.
Across the competition, contestants are challenged with a wide range of ceramic disciplines including wheel throwing, hand-building, sculptural work, glazing, surface decoration, and large-scale installations. Each week combines technical precision with creative interpretation, often requiring potters to complete ambitious pieces within strict time limits and unfamiliar conditions.
The experience itself is immersive and demanding. Filming days are long, deadlines are real, and every stage of the ceramic process — from centering clay to firing and glazing — must be carefully managed while cameras capture both the successes and the inevitable setbacks. Contestants work in a shared studio environment that becomes highly collaborative, supportive, and emotional as the competition progresses.
What makes the show unique is its celebration of craftsmanship and personality. Judges look not only for technical excellence, but also originality, storytelling, and a potter’s individual voice. Contestants are encouraged to push their abilities, experiment creatively, and take risks with their work.
As a previous winner, I experienced first-hand how transformative the competition can be. It challenged me technically and creatively, introduced my work to a wider audience, and connected me with an incredible community of makers and ceramic artists. The process demanded focus, adaptability, and perseverance — but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
Class of 2021 (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
Being presented with the winning trophy by Keith Brymer Jones, Richard Miller and Siobhan McSweeney. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
Fruit week challenged the potters to make a bowl and fruit. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
Making a chicken brick out of terracotta. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
Discussing plans for my howling wolf water fountain with judges Richard Miller and Keith Brymer Jones (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
Decorating the olla pot and seed jar as influenced by Acoma traditions. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
The challenge for the semi final was to create a hand basin and pedestal. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions)
The final make was inspired by the ceramics of Clarice Cliff and the Art Deco era of the 1920's. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love Productions).
The final challenge included a punch bowl and six cups, a ladle, and two decanters. (Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel4/Love productions).
The Winning trophy and plinth. The decals are of objects that represented our time on the show, such as bottle kilns, t.v. cameras, covid masks and Gladstone museum.There are also written messages from all those that were on set.