Ceramic & Glass

Back to nature
You could say that Jonathan Cox is living the dream life in Peniel. It’s where in the mid-nineties this one time gardener turned ceramicist put down his roots and achieved his ambition to have a home-based studio close to the inspiration of much of his work. And he’s never looked back. In Carmarthenshire, he’s found a closer link to nature and a fresh-found interest in contemporary shapes for new work. At the studio shop you’ll find classic bowls and vases with designs that capture the local landscape: cornflower, blackberry, primrose and violet. And cylinder forms named thistle and ragwort, cranesbill and buttercup. A garden of delights. 

Gelli Gergwm, Peniel, Carmarthen SA32 7AQ
www.jonathancoxceramics.co.uk
T: 01267 231747

• Jonathan uses ancient kiln techniques that go back thousands of years
• Jonathan decorates with lustre paints made from copper and silver mixed with clay
 

Possibilities in pottery 
In the pretty seaside village of Pembrey you’ll discover Pembrey Pottery. In 2006, Master of his craft, Graham Newing decided west was best and re-located his established pottery business from Wiltshire to Wales. Step inside the studio and you’ll find a wonderful array of pots and pieces worked in stoneware and porcelain and thrown on the wheel. Think colourful, European, elegant and sophisticated. Think Pembrey Pottery. Think organic shapes, individually decorated by sgraffito. Think Graham Newing. Think never-ending possibilities in pottery. It’s no wonder people make the pilgrimage to the pottery at Pembrey to browse, to buy, and to learn from a Master at work. 

23 Randall Square, Pembrey SA16 0UB
www.pembreypottery.co.uk
T: 01554 834041

• Throw a pot or shape something sculptural – weekly evening classes at certain times, one-to-one or group sessions
• Combine a pottery course with a stay in the cosy cottage for rent next door to the studio
 

Hands-on
Ever had the urge to fashion a pot out of clay but never had the nerve or the opportunity? Now’s your chance. In a fully equipped studio, on a farm between Carmarthen and Lampeter, Siramik offers expert tuition and hands-on experience at the potter’s wheel whatever your age or ability. You’ll be guided through the whole process in a fun setting – preparing the clay, judging the consistency, shaping your hands and muscles to centre the clay on the wheel and having the thrill of producing your very first pot! Make a pot and a weekend of it. Stay over and socialise in the converted stone barn adjacent to the studio. 

Siramik
Lanclynadda, Alltwalis, Carmarthen SA32 7DY
www.siramik.co.uk
T: 01559 384292

• Studio and b&b facilities have the Green Dragon Award for using sustainable energy and being environmentally responsible
• Delicious breakfasts made from local Carmarthenshire produce
• Pottery parties for kids at Siramik or through Siramik ‘on the move’

Skyline inspiration
Lose yourself in the landscape outside this small studio near Llandysul. Look out on fields, woods, rivers and mountains and big skies. Breathe in the inspiration for the glass landscapes of panels and jewellery at Moriath Glass. Here Moira uses her creative force and the heat of a kiln to manipulate glass into a variety of forms – sheet, powder, frit, enamel – taking it through a host of firing schedules to create windows onto worlds. Watch her layer colour, paint and pattern to make up each piece, from pendants and earrings, dishes and bowls to freestanding curved panels, sun-catchers and rainbow makers – each handmade work of art a unique creation.

Nant, Cwmpengraig, Drefach, Felindre, Llandysul SA44 5HY
www.moriathglass.co.uk
T: 01559 371585

• The studio also exhibits work by Aled Jenkins – reclaimed Welsh slate transformed into clocks, vases and pendant, wonderfully tactile with a wonderful history
• Commissions welcome – perhaps a favourite Carmarthenshire skyline or vista to treasure forever

 

Made with love in Wales 
Cariad means love in Welsh. And at Cariad Glass in the market town of Llandysul at the heart of the Teifi Valley, every unique piece of stained glass created is a labour of love. There’s a big croeso (welcome) for visitors to watch (and question) traditional artisans using tools and techniques used by stained-glass artists for centuries. Browse for beautiful one-off gifts, perfect for birthdays, weddings and Christmas. Larger stained glass commissions are welcome too – Cariad Glass’ hand-painted, kiln-fired, specialist panels and pieces grace domestic properties, churches, chapels, businesses and even a windmill, across the UK and beyond. Bring the beauty of stained glass into your home. 

Unit 1 Teifi Units, New Road, Llandysul SA44 4QJ
www.cariadglass.co.uk
T: 01559 362972

• Students of all ages can enjoy learning the art of stained glass with expert artisans Chris and Justine Dodd
• Restoration and repair of stained glass a speciality
 

In safe hands 
New from spring 2019, is Geler Pottery, an exciting venture from Carmarthenshire ceramicist, Chris Latter. You’ll find Chris (famous for her twenty years at Gwili Pottery, Pontarsais) at her purpose-built, accessible workshop and gallery near Llandysul where she creates a range of beautiful hand-made and hand-painted ceramics. Though the name is new and there are fresh designs and innovations, you’ll also be able to purchase existing designs from the Gwili range, the only difference being is that’s they’ll be initialled Geler rather than Gwili. Whatever you choose, you’ll see Chris’s love of Carmarthenshire’s natural environment, in beautiful designs with names such as Y mor (the sea), Cariad (love), and even Forget-me-not.

Llangeler, Llandysul
T: 01267 253449

• Throw your own pot. Fun and hands-on one-to-one or group lessons available from beginners to advanced
 

Work in paint and play with clay 
Visitors and locals are drawn to Llandeilo Pottery and Art studio. It’s a great space filled with pottery, paintings and ceramics, made with love by once a Londoner but now a local, artist Jacki Yorke. Inspired by nature, animals, and her own Carmarthenshire garden, you can browse through her pottery – from money boxes and coasters to dragon coat-hooks and flying dragons. It’s not surprising there’s a range of paintings called ‘Paradise on Your Doorstep’. You can release your inner self here too. Work in paint. Play in clay. Illustrate. Decorate. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a Rembrandt, this artist/sculptor/tutor will bring out the creator in you.

Llandeilo Road, Llandybie, Ammanford SA18 2 LQ
www.jacki.yorkes.co.uk
T: 01269 851993

• daytime and evening pottery classes
• painting club
• wildlife and botany illustration