Andrew Leaves The Great Pottery Throw Down

8 January 2024

Q&A with Andrew:

 

Walking onto the set on the very first day, did you feel nervous or excited or was it a combination of both?

 A little nervous but keen to get going.

 

Was the set as you thought it would be from seeing previous series? It felt very familiar from previous series.

Maybe a little smaller.

 

What age or time in your life did you start pottery and who inspired you?

 I had a few Saturday morning lessons as a child but really started just before lockdown with a weekly lesson. I soon got my own wheel and began to really enjoy it.

 

Can you say something about the best piece of pottery you have ever made, even if it was your first piece - and any memories that are attached to it?

I think the piece I am most attached to is a garden gnome who guards the pot in the garden where the ashes of my dog, Scrumpy, are buried. Gnomes are happiest when they have a job and are willing guardians. I’ve made lots since and given them to friends who need looking after but this first one is still special.

 

Where do you make your pottery, do you have a shed or a workshop that you share?

My wheel is in my study although its probably more accurate now to say my study is in my pottery studio. I have recently bought a kiln which is in the old outdoor toilet in the garden. I do hand building and glazing in the kitchen. So basically the whole house!

 

What is your favoured technique – hand built or thrown – or both and give reasons why?

I love throwing. You really do see something grown in front of your very eyes. Also it is the technique which relates most directly to your state of mind. If you are relaxed and happy it is most likely going to be a good throwing day.

 

Pottery is usually a relaxing hobby and a lengthy process so what was it like to be working under quite strict time constraints that first week?

It was difficult. I found I had to limit my ambition to the reality of the timescale. Also no time for chatting and the odd cuppa!

 

What is your favourite piece of pottery that you make for friends and family, and do you get any special requests around Christmas or birthdays?

I always get asked for gnomes. I have to make 6 over the next few days. Dog bowls are also a bit of a favourite.

 

Biggest personal disaster for you making something and did it hit your own bucket of doom?

Back to gnomes – they are quite tall and the centre of gravity means it leans very slightly forward or back. This gets exaggerated in the kiln and no one wants a wonky gnome.

 

Which celebrity or someone from the entertainment world  would you most like to make a piece of pottery for and why?

I would love to make a dinner plate for Kate Winslet. I would then cook her a fabulous meal and we would sit down and talk whilst eating and drinking a beautiful bottle of red wine.

 

Are you a messy potter or do you keep everything clean and tidy?  What was your apron like by the end of the first episode?

I’d say middle ground. I have to clear up after myself at home so it is in my interests to try and be a bit tidy. Although tidiness is very overrated in my mind.

 

What was the camaraderie like between the Potters on set and off set?

It was excellent. Even within a few hours we were pretty relaxed together as a group. We all know how unpredictable making pots can be.

 

Which Judge did you want to impress the most [or both] and why?    Did you find Siobhán a great support when the going got tough?

I thought Siobhan did an amazing job keeping the ball of energy in the air. She is great fun. Keith and Rich are so different and both remarkable. I suppose the answer is Keith but Rich notices the details of a make which is so rewarding.

 

Did you enjoy being in the midst of pottery country in Stoke, and filming at the Gladstone Pottery Museum - did it inspire you?

Those bottle kilns are a small piece of world history. Gladstone’s pots are still in palaces and homes across the world. It was a privilege to be there.

 

How hard was it to keep a secret?

 It was tough especially as people wondered where you were. Why you were tied to your wheel and making so many practice pieces.

 

Are the potters good at keeping in touch, and what do you think bonds you so well?

There was lots of contact during the series although things have gone a bit quiet whilst everyone recovers. I’ve already met up with Dan. We both live in London. I’m going to visit Jan when I next go to Wales and I’m organising a date early in the new year for everyone to come to Clapham and have lunch.

 

What was your best and worst moment overall in the series, and why?

Being told I was wanted as a potter was a high point as was getting each brief. Low points – you’d expect me to say getting thrown off but it wasn’t. I was blown away by what the other Potters made and felt privileged to be a small part of the series.

 

How did you feel when they announced your name you would be leaving and how did the other Potters, Judges and presenter help you get through it?

After the judging I thought there was a high chance I’d be leaving. The other potters were lovely and supportive. They gave me a lovely card which did make me feel emotional.

 

What is the one piece of Pottery you would like to make now after spending some time with The Potters?

I’d love to make the chandelier. I applied to Throw Down because I wanted to stretch myself. A functioning chandelier would be the ultimate stretch.

 

Would you do it all again, as now you feel you have learned a bit more about the process.   And how soon did you get used to the cameras and producers always being around?

 I’d love to do it all again. I didn’t mind the producers and the cameras being around. I found I forgot them quite quickly.

 

What do you feel you learned the most from taking part in the series and what will you take away from your experience on The Great Pottery Throw Down?

I think I learned to be more ambitious in my makes and apply the creativity in the world around me to my pots.

 

What is next for you, and what are your hopes and ambitions in the world of pottery?

I have already been making some woodland inspired candle sticks for a gallery in Bridlington and some dog bowls for a posh dog grooming salon. Otherwise it is making Christmas presents for my unsuspecting friends and family.