Topsy Jewell

“Becoming a potter has been a process unfolding over my life. Beginning with rifling through the seconds box at the Leach Pottery in the seventies and following my dad’s love of studio pots, I learned to hand build at classes after leaving school.

Later, I discovered throwing on a wheel at evening classes in my mid thirties. I was captivated by the transformation of wet stoneware clay into a glasslike, waterproof vessel and the many subtle colour changes caused by metal oxides reacting with glaze ingredients.  I became preoccupied with simplicity and beauty in shape and colours - and the comfort of holding or looking at a functional object made by hand. I love cups. I study their handles, their shape, their feel in my hands and against my lips. I buy other potters’ cups to try out, test and inspire me. I feel proud and honoured when someone tells me that one of my cups is their favourite and they drink out of it every day.”