A visual journey thanks to our amazing photographer Sophie McGillicuddy
Carolyn Tripp | Former Publicity coordinator
When I’m thinking about the 40th anniversary of London Potter’s I feel enormously proud to have been a member for so long and especially proud of being a committee member for five years.
In my time there we grew both the number of members the social media presence and the profile of London Potters in general. You could say it had a bit of a makeover and I’m proud of being part of the team that did that.
I’m thrilled to have been asked to make a peace for the exhibition. I’ll be showing my work alongside some very revered makers so yes to be part of that is rather wonderful.
Being a trustee was so much fun the connection with both the other committee members and the general membership as a whole was amazing and those relationships remain today. Putting can be a solitary occupation and so having those connections is vital and I believe that one of the main roles of London Potter is in connecting Potters – not just in London but all over the world.
I’m really excited to see what London potters will look like in 5 to 10 years’ time. When I left, we were beginning to talk about the 40th anniversary and I have to say I am staggered by the scope, the breadth and the enormity of the celebrations. I know how much work will have gone into organising this and I am immensely grateful to the current committee for this as well as incredibly impressed.
One of the challenges we have for now and into the future is understanding the value of good practice. The teaching of critical thought that stands along side making skills and how in a world where that teaching is far and few between, we help the community to not just make pots but make really good pots.
I like to think that if LP were a pot, it might be one of Grayson Perry‘s Brexit pots – enormous full of lots of different people lots of different opinions lots of different ideas and representing the community as a whole.
Nicky Backlund | Programme coordinator
-What do you hope members will take away from the 40th celebration?
I hope that the members (and non …soon to be members) see what a fantastic community they are a part of and how well we support and inspire each other, There is an enormous amount of talent both collectively and as individuals.
-Is there an element of the celebration you’re particularly excited about or proud of?
All of it .. having everyone under one roof, hearing stories and advice watching Demos from experts in the ceramic world, having access to tools and supplies which you mainly normally buy online – I’ll be like a child in a sweetshop.
-If you could describe the ideal atmosphere of the 40th event in three words, what would they be?
Inspirational, Celebratory and Wholesome.
-How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in?
I went to an LP event, met Janet and the rest is history … next thing I knew I was a volunteer and then a trustee working alongside Christophe Donot.
-What keeps you motivated to volunteer your time and energy as a trustee?
I love it, and all it stands for, I love and admire the energy and dedication of the other trustees and volunteers. I often wish I could more, there is never enough time to do everything.
-Is there a particular LP project or initiative you’ve worked on that you feel especially connected to?
I have manged the AGM for the past couple of years so feel most connected to that event. I also have a talk that I want to organise, its fallen through once but I am not giving up .. I’ll get it to happen. That one I am passionate about as I think it’s a great fit for our members.
-What part of your trustee role feels the most meaningful or impactful?
The discussions we have at meetings, bouncing ideas around and organising events that members want and enjoy.
-What’s something about your work behind the scenes that members might not realise?
The conversations that take place, in person, online, on whatsapp daily … there are lots and lots of conversations, ideas, and suggestions. Its exciting, thought provoking and mega interesting.
-How do you see your role evolving as LP continues to grow?
I am very happy working as part of the events team, I’m not thinking beyond that.
-What’s one piece of pottery you’ve made that you feel tells a story about you?
Most of my work is representative of me or something connected to me but I’d say the one that really speaks of me is “Breathe” it is such a personal piece that talks to how life and motherhood can be overwhelming and it isn’t always easy. It was a very therapeutic body of work that still and probably always will resonate with me and many others.
-If LP were a pot, what kind of pot would it be — and why?
It would be a moon jar a gigantic moon jar …
-What’s a moment with the LP community that made you smile recently?
The picture of Janet & Helen in the latest Newsletter. Inviting Rosy Napper a former CSM Student to speak at the 40th on sustainability.
@nixbkb
Nickybacklund.co.uk
Fay De Winter | Vice-chair
-What does the 40th anniversary of London Potters mean to you personally?
It feels like a full circle — from being the new kid on the block helping with exhibitions and events when I joined in 2005, to completing 20 years of volunteering at LP as Programmes Co-ordinator, Chair, and now Vice Chair. It has been a whirlwind of experiences and connections, and it has been instrumental in my own making journey — shaping me into the ceramicist and teacher I am today. Truly, a real life of clay and joy.
-What do you hope members will take away from the 40th celebration?
Even more enthusiasm for clay, a deep sense of pride in our clay community, and renewed curiosity to get more involved.
-Is there an element of the celebration you’re particularly excited about or proud of?
Leading the 40th celebration event with LP Council as a team at the Art Workers Guild this March has been my main focus for the past year and a half. I have always dreamed of putting something like this together for the organisation, and finally a positive, fitting tribute is coming to fruition — one that truly pays homage to and celebrates LP’s legacy.
-How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in?
As a student graduating from Central Saint Martins, I wanted to give back to a clay community after being so supported during my studies. I attended a ‘Show and Tell’ event at Morley Gallery and met Geoff Kenward (Chair before me), who I coincidentally later worked with at Sutton College. He was instrumental in supporting me in my early career and encouraging me to get involved with LP.
-What part of your trustee role feels the most meaningful or impactful?
Working behind the scenes with Council to introduce new and innovative ways of thinking has been incredibly meaningful. This has included exploring new exhibition spaces, being part of the London Design Festival, widening our audience reach, and being part of the team — including our first President Stephen Dee — to create the annual Makers Award.
During lockdown, I helped initiate a digital vision with Council to adapt and develop our reach online through exhibitions, events, and a new website. We streamlined systems to build a digital archive, helping LP strengthen and future-proof its legacy.
During my eleven years as Programmes Co-ordinator, I organised over 100 events, supporting many makers along the way — something I am incredibly proud of. I have met so many wonderful people during my time on Council, and I hope others feel encouraged to get involved and experience this journey for themselves.
-What’s something about your work behind the scenes that members might not realise?
I am always happy to help if I can — and I will probably continue to do so quietly behind the scenes. I truly enjoy seeing others succeed. Working on behalf of our members to create opportunities and watching them grow feels like a real triumph to me.
Giving to others is a great honour. And without ever expecting it, I have received so much in return — enriching my own life along the way. Thank you, LP. It is so very much appreciated.
-What’s one piece of pottery you’ve made that you feel tells a story about you?
My miniature travelling Buddha, inspired by travel, philosophy, nature, and strong connections to my heritage. They began as test pieces to inform other bodies of work but have grown into an unexpected worldwide installation — travelling more than I do!
They are intimate, hand-held storytellers, customised for individuals and carrying an intriguing, calming presence. I love making them.
-If LP were a pot, what kind of pot would it be — and why?
It would be an installation of works representing our diverse and inclusive community. I couldn’t choose just one piece — each would be unique, but together they would form a powerful and beautiful clay community.
@faydewinterceramics @stateofclay
Helen Ridgway | Co‑Chair
As we approach the final days of our 40‑day countdown to the LP40 celebrations, today we’re delighted to shine a light on Helen Ridgway, our dedicated Co‑Chair.
Helen’s thoughtful approach, steady vision and generous spirit have been instrumental in bringing the LP40 celebrations to life. Much of her work happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across everything we do.
As we near the end of our countdown, it feels especially fitting to celebrate someone who has given so much to London Potters. Helen is truly at the heart of LP40.
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– How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in?
I’ve been a member of London Potters for many years and joined the LP Council as Exhibitions Officer in 2021. My main task (with plenty of help from other committee members) was to re-establish the popular open Members’ Exhibition.
– What part of your trustee role feels the most meaningful or impactful?
The Members’ Exhibition is now once again a regular annual fixture at Morley Gallery, and organising it has probably given me the greatest sense of satisfaction. The real highlight is meeting so many of our members and talking with them about their work. It’s genuinely inspiring to see the range of pieces being produced, and at such a high standard.
– What keeps you motivated to volunteer your time and energy as a trustee?
I always enjoy hearing how people approach their work, both technically and creatively — those conversations are fascinating. Over the years I’ve met some wonderful potters and learnt a great deal along the way. And seeing the exhibition once everything is finally in place really does make all the hard work worthwhile.
– Is there a particular LP project or initiative you’ve worked on that you feel especially connected to?
For our 40th celebrations I’ve organised the exhibition of 40 miniatures by both established and emerging makers. It’s been a real pleasure to see the enthusiasm with which everyone has taken part.
Janet White | Co-Chair’s
What does the 40th anniversary of LP mean to you personally?
– I am learning how London Potters has evolved over the last 40 years and reflecting on how we purposefully make our contributions as the current trustees to benefit our community for years to come.
What do you hope visitors will take away from the 40th celebration?
– The 40th celebration is a showcase of everything that London Potters does in a year! I hope that both makers and non makers alike will find the celebrations fun and be inspired by the creativity and friendliness of the clay community – and be excited to become more involved in clay in the future.
If you could describe the ideal atmosphere of the 40th event in three words, what would they be?
– Inclusive. Creative. Joy.
How did you first get involved with LP, and what drew you in?
– I found out about LP through the Advanced Practice course at Richmond College. There was a call out for Trustees and I joined as the Events Program Co-ordinator in 2020 during lock down. The challenge drew me in – the moment in time challenge of no in-person events at a time when human connection was needed even more, so several virtual events were organised including sustainability lectures by Dr Wendy Gers, Kintsugi workshop led by Mizuyo Yamashita and Product Styling by Yeshen Venema – which continued to run today.
What keeps you motivated to volunteer your time and energy as a trustee?
-The energy, fun and connection with the trustees and members are a source of renewable energy that keeps me excited and motivated.
What do you hope LP will look like in the next 5–10 years?
– Over the next 5 – 10 years, I hope London Potters will evolve into an even more vibrant hub for everyone who shares a passion for clay—whether they are a seasoned maker or an emerging enthusiast. I hope that London Potters will expand its reach through new collaborations and outreach, building stronger bridges with other clay and creative communities. That way, we can grow a more connected and supportive network that champions and showcases ceramics here in the UK and beyond.
If LP were a pot, what kind of pot would it be — and why?
– It would be a large, multi-generational “Community Bowl”. Why: A bowl is the ultimate vessel for sharing. London Potters isn’t a closed jar or a narrow vase; it’s an open forum founded in 1986 designed to “provide a forum for the exchange of ideas.” Its wide rim represents an inclusive invitation to everyone—from the “just getting started” beginner to the “experienced professional.” Supportive Structure: Like a well-thrown bowl, the organization provides the structural support (through the Council of Trustees) that allows its members to fill it with their own creativity.
Vanessa Lim | Exhibition Officer
-What do you hope members will take away from the 40th celebration?
I hope that members will have an insight to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to keep LP running through the years, and that the heart of LP has always been its members and community.
-How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in?
I first heard about London Potters through a friend and fellow potter who is a member, and then later through some of the events that London Potters hosted, such as Linda Bloomfield’s glaze workshop, and the annual exhibition at Morley College. I later became a trustee through the encouragement of Lindy Barletta, the previous chair.
– Is there a particular LP project or initiative you’ve worked on that you feel especially connected to?
The LP40 pottery fair is my first project as a trustee, and I feel honoured to have been trusted with it.
– What part of your trustee role feels the most meaningful or impactful?
Encouraging and helping others with applying to and taking part in exhibitions and fairs. Behind the scenes, there’s actually a lot of coordination of paperwork involved (insurance!).
– How do you see your role evolving as LP continues to grow?
My hope is that LP is able to organise more selected exhibition opportunities to showcase the breadth and depth of members work and to help support early career ceramicists in gaining opportunities.
Credit photographer : Gaspar Gorodisch
Mari Balsama Wilson | Publicity coordinator
How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in?
I originally reached out to LP to enquire about volunteering: a website + digital role was promptly offered. I was delighted, and as I didn’t have much time to think, I followed my gut. No way back, never regretted it. I am bringing my expertise, but at the same time, London Potters has become the best university I could have asked for.
What keeps you motivated to volunteer your time and energy as a trustee?
Being a Trustee means I’m contributing to something bigger than myself – supporting makers, strengthening our community, and helping shape the future of an organisation I believe in. There’s also a deep personal reward in it. Every project, challenge, occasion feels meaningful. It’s a privilege to give my time and energy to something that gives so much back in return. Our job descriptions sound all very alluring, but we do so much work ‘in the kitchen’. Offering time and guidance whether they need a word of support or a more practical answer.
What part of your trustee role feels the most meaningful or impactful?
As Publicity Coordinator, working for the 40th Anniversary is an incredibly busy moment – but also an exciting one. Being both a Member and a Trustee makes it even more meaningful, and I’m honoured to be involved in such a milestone for our charity, especially since I joined the LP committee only in spring 2022. LP is more visible than ever, not only digitally with nearly 11k followers on Instagram but also, we are in a good place as a charity and as a community.
What do you hope members will take away from the 40th celebration?
I hope our members, and visitors, will see directly with their eyes the importance of our association and the work we do for LP. The 3-day event will be a gift to our community: a space for human connection.
If LP were a pot, what kind of pot would it be?
It would be a beautifully glazed cauldron, bubbling with creativity, with room for one more ingredient, one more maker, one more idea.
If you could describe the ideal atmosphere of the 40th event in three words?
Celebratory. Educational. Inclusive. As they say… life starts after 40!
-When you think back on LP’s journey, what moment or achievement stands out most?
The main achievement that stands out from my time as a Trustee was the upgrading and modernisation we did of LP, post Covid, alongside the building of the new interactive website which enabled LP to further its awareness and reach and provide a better service and interaction with our members which ultimately has led to a six fold increase in our membership.
-What do you hope members will take away from the 40th celebration?
I hope members and non-members will see what a fun and out reaching organisation LP is to be involved with.
– If you could describe the ideal atmosphere of the 40th event in three words, what would they be?
Vibrant, embracing, huge fun. (yes I know that four but …..)
-How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in?
I was invited in by my teacher at the time who was a trustee, at the time the board needed a management Secretary, which was in my skill set.
-What keeps you motivated to volunteer your time and energy as a trustee.
Little did I know when I joined LP as a trustee what a great bunch of inspiring people I would meet and how much I would learn about the ceramic industry and charitable workings
-What do you hope LP will look like in the next 5–10 years?
A leading modern and appropriate organisation for its members, constantly moving with the times to ensure it offerings provide for the needs of its current and future membership.
-Are there opportunities or challenges you think LP should be preparing for?
Constant increases in the raw materials and the challenge of sustainability.
Establishing how AI and other technological advances can be used in both the LP organisation and within the ceramic community.
-If LP were a pot, what kind of pot would it be — and why?
A water feature – creating constant flowing interest in its features and contours.
-What’s something you’ve learned through LP that you didn’t expect?
What fun and inspiration volunteering can bring.
Christophe Donot | Programme Coordinator.
– What does the 40th anniversary of LP mean to you personally?
It’s a great opportunity to understand even deeper why and how LP exist. It is also the sense of community that thrives even more through events like this.
– Is there an element of the celebration you’re particularly excited about or proud of?
Make your Marks: I am part of the team with Lindy Barletta, Adrian Gonzales, and Roberto Gagliano to throw one big pot over 60cm each for visitors and members to make their own mark by attaching a small handmade piece to it.
– How did you first get involved with LP, and what drew you in?
I first got involved with London Potters when I volunteered to help set up the exhibition at Morley Gallery in 2023. I thought I was just signing up to move a few plinths and maybe wrestle with some bubble wrap – harmless enough. Little did I know I was being carefully observed by Janet and Lindy, whose keen eyes clearly spotted “new recruit” written all over me. One phone call later, and I was in. The rest is history – slightly dusty, occasionally clay-covered history, but history nonetheless.
– What keeps you motivated to volunteer your time and energy as a trustee?
The team – without a doubt. We’re a wonderfully passionate bunch of potters who somehow manage to support each other, strengthen the community, and have a lot of laughs along the way. Spending time with them means you never feel like your efforts have gone to pot… even if occasionally everything else has.
– What’s something about your work behind the scenes that members might not realise?
Organising events involves a surprising amount of detective work – researching venues, chatting with potential hosts, comparing dates, layouts, logistics, and making sure everything is perfectly aligned before tickets even go on sale. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination to ensure that when members arrive, everything runs seamlessly. It’s a detailed process, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the role – seeing all that planning come together and knowing you’ve created something the community can truly enjoy.
Lindy Barletta | Former Chair
What does the 40th anniversary of London Potters mean to you personally? How lucky I have been to have been involved for the last 25 years! It was the first thing I did after taking up pottery classes and my first exhibition was at the Morley Gallery.
What do you hope members will take away from the 40th celebration?
I hope members will ‘Throw themselves in’ to everything London Potters offers and, also become more involved in our widening ceramic community.
Is there an element of the celebration you’re particularly excited about or proud of? Well! I am terrified at the moment, but hopefully I will be proud of the enormous pot I am making for the interactive event ‘Make your Mark’. It’s the biggest pot I have made in 30 years, and I am looking forward to seeing how it will be decorated.
If you could describe the ideal atmosphere of the 40th event in three words, what would they be? Busy, Buzzy, Banging!
How did you first get involved with London Potters, and what drew you in? I was a new pottery student and my teacher George Wilson suggested I join as a next step and to get involved with LP.
What part of your trustee role feels the most meaningful or impactful? Being part of the trustee team 4 years ago that increased the membership from 300 to 1000, bringing Kate Malone MBE and Rich Miller on board to raise awareness to LP, introducing the Annual Makers Award and working with the team on the new Branding, Design Guide and Website,
What’s something about your work behind the scenes that members might not realise? Trustees have fun, ssshh don’t tell everyone or they will all want to put their hands up!
The weekend takes place on the 20th – 22nd March 2026 at the Art Workers Guild. Other activities taking place includes free and ticketed talks:
Free entrance to all members and non members:
- London Potters 40 years history display
- Suppliers zone featuring Blue Matchbox, Glost, Herbert Press (part of Bloomsbury Publishing) , In the making (apron)
- Exhibition and sale of 40 miniatures
- London Potters members fair
- Interactive experience: decorate large pots together
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the website):
- 20th March 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Kate Malone MBE – Evolution and Critical Analysis Talk
- 20th March 2:30pm – 3:30pm: Stuart Carey – Exploring Personal Evolution Talk
- 21st March 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Jemma Gowland – Figurative Porcelain Demonstration
- 21st March 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Felicity Aylieff – Thinking Big Talk
- 22nd March 11:00am – 1:00pm: Creators Panel – Discussion on Sustainability
- 22nd March 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Rich Miller – Constructing Identity Talk and Demonstration
March 20th @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Talk with Kate Malone MBE – Evolution and critical analysis – 40th Anniversary of London Potters
Art Workers Guild | 6 Queen Square, London | WC1N 3AT
Booking is essential
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the above link)
March 20th @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Talk with Stuart Carey – Exploring his personal evolution, 40th anniversary of London Potters
Art Workers Guild | 6 Queen Square, London | WC1N 3AT
Booking is essential
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the link)
March 21st @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Demonstration with Jemma Gowland – Figurative Porcelain – 40th Anniversary of London Potters
Art Workers Guild | 6 Queen Square, London | WC1N 3AT
Booking is essential
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the above link)
March 21st @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Talk with Felicity Aylieff – Thinking Big – 40th Anniversary of London Potters
Art Workers Guild | 6 Queen Square, London | WC1N 3AT
Booking is essential
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the above link)
March 22nd @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Creators Panel Discussion on Sustainability, 40th Anniversary of London Potters
Art Workers Guild | 6 Queen Square, London | WC1N 3AT
Booking is essential
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the above link)
March 22nd @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Talk & Demonstration with Richard Miller – Constructing identity – 40th Anniversary of London Potters
Art Workers Guild | 6 Queen Square, London | WC1N 3AT
Booking is essential
Ticketed talks and demonstrations for members only (tickets for these events bookable via the above link)
