Hafod Hill Pottery
The Potters and the Pottery
Hafod Hill Pottery was set up in 1980 by Christine McCole (the potter) and
Roger Brann (the potter's assistant).
Christine trained at Harrow, and was determined to make wood fired stoneware.
We converted the old smithy at Hafod
Hill to a workshop, and built a kiln in the adjacent stable/shed.
We make stoneware pots, almost all useful and domestic; lately, we have
been making some stoneware garden pots and planters. Our range includes jugs
and mugs, dishes and storejars, servers and bowls, and much more. The decoration
is minimal, and the effects of ash and flame are encouraged, giving wide variation
in colour and tone. Many of the pots can be seen on the Pictures
page.
Our Kiln is a modified version of Fred Olsen's fastfire design, with arched
fireboxes and chamber, and a packing space of about 40 cu.ft. Firing with
softwood offcuts takes about 12 hours to cone 9 down (though the kiln will
fire to 1300degC in 9 hours).
Recently, we have been starting firings using two gas burners, and gradually
switching over to wood - it certainly makes for easier starts in the early
mornings!
We used to single-fire nearly all the pots, but a recent change of clay
body means we must now adjust our glazes, and most pots are biscuited for
the time being. Firings are carefully controlled, especially from 750degC
to 1000degC, to avoid bloating problems. The early stage, however, is fast,
firing at 200degC per hour for the first three and a half hours.
Christine is a Professional
Member of the Craft Potters Association.
We sell direct from our showroom (see Opening
times) and also at Potters markets and other selling events (see
Diary).
