Local potter celebrates 30 years with hands-on day

White Horse Pottery in Westbury is marking its 30th anniversary with a special Hands-On Day on Saturday, 6th September, from 10am to 4pm. 

The event will take place at the pottery’s premises in Newtown (BA13 3EE). Entry is free, there is no need to book, and people of all ages are welcome to try their hand at working with clay.

Founded in the 1970s, White Horse Pottery operates from a Victorian former school building located beneath Westbury’s iconic White Horse. The pottery produces handmade ceramics for customers across the UK and overseas, supplying individual buyers as well as wholesale clients, including shops and cafés in the South West and retailers in London’s Mayfair.

The business is run by Trevor Pictor, who joined the pottery 30 years ago in 1995 and took over in 2001 after training under former owner Stephen Humm. Over the years, the pottery has introduced classes for beginners and enthusiasts, which remain popular, and it also works with local schools to provide children with hands-on experience in clay work.

“Working at the pottery has been an amazing experience, learning the craft of making pots, exploring shape and form whilst working with clay and our amazing glazes,” said Trevor.

“I’ve been working on my own running the business for 25 years, with various people coming to help at the pottery and for the last 11 years, my friend Cath has been working with me.

“Westbury has changed a lot in 30 years. Growing up as a young man in the town and then making a living here, I’ve seen lots of change and I think the business has also developed and changed in those years.

“Our website promotes us nationally and we pick up customers from all over the UK, sending pots far and wide, even overseas. We also sell pottery to various shops and cafes in the South West and to Mayfair in London.

“I often say every day is an adventure and going to work for me is a bit like that, I don’t know what new things I might find out or maybe I’ll be asked to make a pot I’ve never made before.

“I love my job. I love the building. I love the different people that come in and talk to me and I guess I love my pots. Sometimes I’m sad to see them go but I must make a living!

“People often ask how many pots have you made since you’ve been potting? A lot!

“We’ve started running pottery classes which are very popular and one of the nice comments a student made recently was, ‘It’s so much more than just pottery coming here,’ and I think that sums up my working day.

“We also enjoy working with children from the local school. When they visit, we talk about pottery and give them a chance to play with clay, which is good fun. I’m a lucky chap; thank you Westbury and the people of it.

“If you’re passing, please pop in and see us, look at the pots, have a chat, discover the building and enjoy this amazing space. Or do come along to our Open Day on Saturday 6th September. We’d love to see you.”