WEDGE Ceramic Workshop

A little more than a decade after meeting while working on the making of the world famous Tower of London Poppies, previous Banks Mill tenants and current Affiliate Members Abbie Sunter and James Pettinger, are launching a new business – WEDGE Ceramic Workshop will be aimed at supporting keen ceramic practitioners whilst encouraging newcomers to give it a try! 

Thirteen years after working for Derbyshire artist and University of Derby alumni, Paul Cummins, Abbie and James have both continued to expand their individual practices with James leaving to become a ceramics technician at Nottingham College and more recently, the ceramic instructor at De Montfort University. Meanwhile, Abbie recently completed her Master’s degree in Art at The University of Derby and you can now find her at Banks Mill Studios as our very own Creative Incubation Administrator.  

 

 

Now, they’re following their passion to create a genuine ceramics hub in Derby, with a range of facilities that offer everything from one off sessions and weekly classes in throwing and sculpture, to longer-term full access memberships for local ceramic artists and serious hobbyists.  

“We’ve made a real effort to have a range of high-quality equipment, including a slab roller, extruders and a pug mill, 7 pottery wheels and 3 professional kilns all in separate working areas to create a space both for sculpture and throwing.”

“We’ve essentially tried to make the space we wish we’d been able to access when we first started making ceramics more seriously”. Says Abbie, Founder of WEDGE. “After leaving University – the first time – I found it really difficult to continue with a meaningful ceramics practice. I could no longer access the facilities I’d got used to at University and although I was working full-time, I was also renting so I couldn’t afford to just splash out thousands of pounds on a kiln and stick it in my rented digs!”.  

 

 

“James and I both know the value of access. Access to equipment, space and support. We were able to build ourselves up gradually when we got our first studio at Banks Mill but since we moved out, we both realised that this is what’s missing in Derby. Between us we have the knowledge, experience and equipment to be able to help others who want to be creative and just make cool stuff out of clay!”  

In addition to offering a chance for local groups to enjoy exploring clay (including seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas workshops), WEDGE aims to offer intensive courses in a range of ceramics skills. It will also act as a rich resource for more serious makers; Founder James, is a highly qualified Ceramics Instructor with many years of experience in colleges and universities, his knowledge and expertise in areas like glazes, clay bodies and firing techniques will offer invaluable support for artists and hobbyists who are looking to access a wider range of facilities and resources than have previously been available to them.  

James adds; “At WEDGE, we want to create a calm but inspiring and supportive community, a place where anyone can come and work on their own ideas at their pace. Our aim is to provide the resources needed for artists and creative people from all over Derby to make things for themselves. That’s what WEDGE is all about, it’s a place made by makers, for makers.”  

 

 

WEDGE Ceramic Workshop will soon be celebrating its official opening and invites everyone to come down and see what it’s all about on Saturday 5 September at Unit 26, Perkin Yard Mansfield Rd Derby DE21 4AW

From 12pm – 4pm James will be running free “have a go” throwing sessions on the potters’ wheels, there will also be a “Celebration Pot” that everyone can add to, creating a sculpted memory of the opening day.  Abbie will also be around to answer any and all of your questions about how you can get involved at WEDGE.  

For those who would like to come and see but keep clean for the day, from 4pm onwards there will be music, drinks and the chance to hang out and celebrate the official opening of Derby’s newest creative hub.

For more information about WEDGE, visit their website – https://www.wedgederby.co.uk/ 

You can also check out the full renovation of this brand new space on their Instagram account here – https://www.instagram.com/wedgeceramicworkshop