Macclesfield ceramicist gets her own new studio to teach the town pottery
By Alex Greensmith
28th May 2023 | Local News
A Macclesfield potter is sharing her expertise with classes at her new studio.
Emma Wictome had never spun clay five years ago, but this month she has moved into her own studio in Macclesfield under her moniker Pen-y-bont Ceramics.
She has opened up an intimate new studio space in east Macclesfield, inside Waterside Mill, and hopes to share her expertise with workshops for one or two people per session.
The small business success story has seen her mugs, plates and more pop-up in businesses around town like Yas Bean on Buxton Road.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Emma on Waterside to find out about Pen-y-bont Ceramics's new studio space, and what it can offer to the community.
"I'm delighted to start doing Taster Workshops here," said Emma.
"I will teach you about the pottery process, guide you through the different hand movements, and help you throw your own pots.
"I was originally throwing in a studio in Manchester, then about a year-and-a-half ago I moved to Macclesfield.
"I have previously been creating and teaching at space in Macclesfield, but it is great to have a space of my own now.
"The workshops will go in-depth of how to throw on the wheel. Where I want it to head is to get a regular community in here, learning different throw or hand-building techniques, creating a nice community space where people love clay."
Her brand is called Pen-y-bont, as it is the Welsh name for her hometown which is Bridgend in Wales (no relation to the Bridgend in Bollington).
She lives just a stone's throw - or should we say plate's throw - away from her new studio.
Emma believes she is the only wheelthrower doing workshops in the local area.
The fact her lessons are capacity capped at two means you can get a bespoke, intimate experience with instant feedback to help best develop your skills.
"The hardest part about throwing on the wheel is centring", added Emma.
"That is making sure you are comfortable with how the clay spins in the middle of the wheel, which I will help you with.
"By the end you will have created something, and the best ones you can take home.
"The benefits of throwing on the wheel is once you've mastered it you can get a precise and consistent finish in what you make."
The workshops are two hours at £70pp, and you'll have things to keep afterwards if you like.
Emma was originally a science teacher before her newfound career as a ceramic artist.
"Pottery is very calming for me," explained Emma.
"You have to be super patient with the clay, treat it really well, and almost can't rush it which is the opposite of how modern life is.
"It is important for me with my business to keep things really local and create a nice sense of community."
Macclesfield: If you'd like to book a taster session you can contact Pen-y-bont Ceramics on Instagram.
If you don't fancy a class, you can also purchase Emma's work. Emma's simple bowls, plates and mugs offer a decadent vibe at an affordable price.
While she is currently out of stock of some products, Macclesfield businesses and individuals can buy her work on this link.
As as well as online, some of her work can be purchased from Dick's General Store inside The Picturedrome on Chestergate.
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