Ceramic Pottery Maker

Also known as:

Craft Pottery Maker
Potter

Introduction

Ceramic pottery makers work mainly in large commercial potteries. Some work in small craft workshops. They make different types of pottery using traditional craft skills and mechanised processes. Most pottery makers specialise in a particular job, for example, throwing or casting.

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Work Activities

Ceramic pottery makers use both traditional craft skills and mechanised processes to make pottery products. Traditional hand tools are often still used, as they remain most effective, but automatic tools are also used, to speed up the process.

The most common traditional manufacturing process is 'throwing' a pot. A pottery maker throws a lump of clay onto a wheel. The clay is shaped by hand and by the speed of the wheel, which is controlled by a foot pedal.

'Jiggering' is a mechanised process used to make flatware, such as saucers. The clay is flattened by a thin metal spreader to form a 'batt' of the right thickness. The batt is removed and thrown onto a rotating plaster mould. It is then sprayed, or wetted by hand, and a metal profile tool is pulled down to shape it.

'Jolleying' is a mechanised process used to make hollowware, such as soup bowls. The clay is thrown onto a rotating mould and then eased up at the sides by hand. A profile tool is brought down to shape it.

After shaping, the moulds are put into a drying cupboard.

'Turning' is a finishing process where the turner operates a rotating machine called a lathe, on which the item has been placed. The ware is shaped using hand or automatic tools.

'Casting' is a process where liquid clay or 'slip' is poured into moulds to set. Items may be cast in sections, which the caster assembles, using slip as the bonding agent. This process is known as 'sticking up'.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need good hand skills for this work, especially for throwing and turning. Considerable care and a feel for clay are important. You must be able to handle delicate ware with confidence.

Patience is needed when moulding clay. Creativity and a good eye for detail and design are essential if you are making original items.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for ceramic pottery makers vary depending whether they are employed as an operative in a factory environment or as a craftsperson making hand-made pottery in a workshop or studio.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Broadly, pottery makers earn in the range of £250 - £330 a week, rising to £360 - £420 a week.

Pottery makers who work in a factory normally work a basic 39-hour week, which may involve shift work and overtime. Craftspeople may work full-time, but there may also be opportunities for part-time work.

Employment is mainly in large commercial potteries although there has been a recent decline in vacancies. There is a concentration of large firms in north Staffordshire. There is also scope for throwers and casters throughout the country in premises with small craft potteries, with many located in tourist areas.

Some craftspeople become self-employed. They may set up their own pottery, or share premises with other craftspeople.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Applicants with skills and abilities gained in the manufacturing industry, have an advantage.

Ability using your hands in a skilled way is important. Some artistic ability is needed for certain jobs.

• 48% of people in occupations such as ceramic pottery making are self-employed.
• 32% work part-time.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.