One Man’s Obsession

Les is a Staffordshire-based ceramicist who collects and creates pottery.

Ceramicist Les, pictured outside the garage where he throws pots.

Motor-driven pottery wheels are widely available but some studio potters prefer foot-powered wheels, like this.

Each pot begins life as a ball of clay thrown into the centre of the wheel. Some potter use a removable disc or ‘bat’ that allows the potter to easily move the pot from the wheel.

Keeping the clay wet, the potter pulls the clay out to form a ridge.

The pot is carefully sculpted

The potter uses his thumb to squeeze in the clay.

Pressing inside and outside the wall of the pot adjusts the pot’s thickness.

The potter’s wheel was first developed in Mesopotamia over 5000 years ago.

The lip of the pot is carefully formed with the hands.

Les enjoying pots inside his man cave.

This is photo story 1/52. More details about this project.

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