On Saturday 15th and Sunday 30th November, from 5.00pm to 9.00pm, Kirton Pottery Community invite you to celebrate their 50th anniversary with two free open evenings at the Pottery, 36 High Street, Kirton in Lindsey, DN21 4LX. The 30th November coincides with the Kirton Christmas lights switch-on event. These are the first of several events planned over the coming year of celebration.
During these November events you can:
- See their refurbished showrooms
- Visit their 50-year-old workshop
- Hear about their history
- Talk to the potters
- Shop for locally produced handmade Christmas gifts
- Enjoy free drinks and snacks.
Kirton Pottery was established in 1975 by Peter and Christine Hawes. Chrisine studied ceramics as part of her fine art course at Sheffield Art College from 1962 to 1965, where Peter and Christine met. They moved to Botswana in 1969 with their two young boys Oliver (3) and William (2), and were employed at Swaneng Hill School, Serowe. Peter taught history, geography, and development studies, while Christine taught art. After a year or two, Christine was asked to start a pottery workshop. Peter was enthusiastic and encouraged her to agree, on the condition that they could do it together. There were many challenges and adventures to setting up a new pottery in rural Africa and attempting to use local clays.
The family returned to England in 1974 to start their own pottery in 1975. They sold pots from Kirton and had a retail space at Jews House on Steep Hill in Lincoln. Most weekends were spent working in a wooden shed at Elsham Hall, where they also sold to visitors. They made plaques for Caistor’s Britain in Bloom and Kirton in Bloom every year as well commemorative plates and domestic ware. Peter won the Best Jug Prize at the Alford Craft Market in 2023.
A full range of pottery techniques and equipment has been used over the years including earthenware, stoneware, raku, and lusterware. Peter has constructed several interesting kilns including those fuelled by wood, waste oil and gas.
The Pottery has a loyal customer base and pupils who have been attending classes since the 1980s! Returning customers often tell them that they have pots from the late 70s and 80s and are happy to see that Peter and Christine, and the Pottery here in Kirton Lindsey is “still going”!
They want to ensure the legacy of Kirton Pottery continues and have therefore set up Kirton Pottery Community, a cooperative venture of several potters, many of whom are former students. Peter continues to pass on his knowledge and skills to the potters who are keen to work in the pottery. Part of the shop will be available to these aspiring potters and artists.
They would love to tell you about their community at their open evenings on 15th and 30th November.
Also follow them on Facebook or Instagram for news of their other events, opening times and classes: www.facebook.com/friendsofkirtonpottery and www.instagram.com/kirton_pottery.