A Derby couple who met while working together to create the world-famous poppies that filled the Tower of London in 2014, are opening a city-based ceramic hub.
Artists Abbie Sunter and James Pettinger are launching WEDGE, a ceramic workshop designed to support experienced ceramic practitioners while encouraging newcomers to try working with clay.
Thirteen years after working for internationally renowned artist Paul Cummins, Abbie and James have continued to develop their individual practices. James works as a ceramics instructor at De Montfort University, while Abbie has built her studio practice and completed a Master’s degree in Art at the University of Derby.
They are now following their passion to create a ceramics hub in Derby, offering everything from one-off sessions and weekly throwing and sculpture classes to longer-term, full-access memberships for local ceramic artists and serious hobbyists.
Abbie, co-founder of WEDGE Ceramic Workshop, which is based at Perkin Yard on Mansfield Road, said: “We’ve made a real effort to provide a range of high-quality equipment, including a slab roller, seven pottery wheels and three professional kilns, all within separate working areas that create space for both sculpture and throwing.
“We’ve essentially tried to create the space we wish we’d been able to access when we first started making ceramics more seriously.
“After leaving university the first time, I found it really difficult to continue with a meaningful ceramics practice. I could no longer access the facilities I’d become used to at university and, although I was working full-time, I was also renting, so I couldn’t afford to spend thousands of pounds on a kiln and put it in my rented accommodation.“
In the last five years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people wanting to pursue creative careers and hobbies, but there are hardly any places where they can do so. Unless you repeatedly enrol on college courses or can afford to spend thousands on equipment and space, it’s really difficult to get started, let alone continue a creative practice.”
As well as giving local groups the opportunity to explore working with clay through seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas workshops, WEDGE plans to offer intensive courses covering a range of ceramic skills. It will also serve as a valuable resource for more experienced makers.
Co-founder James Pettinger is a highly qualified ceramics instructor with many years of experience in colleges and universities. His knowledge of glazes, clay bodies and firing techniques will provide support for artists and hobbyists looking to access a wider range of facilities and resources.
James said: “At WEDGE, we want to create a calm, inspiring and supportive community — a place where anyone can work on their own ideas at their own pace.
“Our aim is to provide the resources needed for artists and creative people from across Derbyshire to make things for themselves. That’s what WEDGE is all about: it’s a place made by makers, for makers.”
WEDGE Ceramic Workshop will celebrate its official opening in September, with James and Abbie opening the doors on Saturday 5 September to showcase the new studio.
From noon until 4pm, James will run free “have-a-go” throwing sessions on the potters’ wheels. Visitors will also be invited to contribute to a “Celebration Pot”, creating a sculpted memento of the opening day. Abbie will be available to answer questions about the workshop and the different ways people can get involved.
For further information, visit the WEDGE Ceramic Workshop website.
The renovation of the new space can also be followed on the WEDGE Ceramic Workshop Instagram account.