Broomhill Pottery

AL HIGGINS

BROOMHILL POTTERY

I had been coiling ever larger and lumpier “pots” for some weeks when Frank the technician, three-quarters moustache, short of sleeve, long of apron, clapped a hand on my shoulder and shepherded me to a kick wheel, where six orange-sized lumps of red clay awaited. I was told to get on with it; fifty-plus years later, I still am…

Repetition throwing is a very addictive process. The comradely ranks of a repeated form (all the same, all different) beckon more recruits. The paring away of superfluous movements is very satisfying. You believe with each pot, perfection is getting ever nearer, until it isn’t, and it’s time for a long tea break, or taking a daft dog for a walk.

I love throwing, whether it’s knocking out hundreds of flower pots, or a run of half a dozen “specials” … ”All the same, all different”- that’s the hypnotic lure.

I don’t decorate much; I like the gifts of the kiln more (on the whole). So far, woodfired kilns and soda ash have enlivened what I make, but I’m getting too old for the rigours of wood gathering and splitting. So, my Rohde gas kiln will have to suffice, though it’s sad to think I’ve built my last kiln arch…

I intend to experiment with runny ash glazes, copper vapour fuming, and some fat magnesium glazes. A potter’s gamble, but, after all, what’s the point if you aren’t prepared to bet the proverbial farm???

Wish us luck!

Al Higgins

AL HIGGINS

BROOMHILL POTTERY

I had been coiling ever larger and lumpier “pots” for some weeks when Frank the technician, three-quarters moustache, short of sleeve, long of apron, clapped a hand on my shoulder and shepherded me to a kick wheel, where six orange-sized lumps of red clay awaited. I was told to get on with it; fifty-plus years later, I still am…

Repetition throwing is a very addictive process. The comradely ranks of a repeated form (all the same, all different) beckon more recruits. The paring away of superfluous movements is very satisfying. You believe with each pot, perfection is getting ever nearer, until it isn’t, and it’s time for a long tea break, or taking a daft dog for a walk.

I love throwing, whether it’s knocking out hundreds of flower pots, or a run of half a dozen “specials” … ”All the same, all different”- that’s the hypnotic lure.

I don’t decorate much; I like the gifts of the kiln more (on the whole). So far, woodfired kilns and soda ash have enlivened what I make, but I’m getting too old for the rigours of wood gathering and splitting. So, my Rohde gas kiln will have to suffice, though it’s sad to think I’ve built my last kiln arch…

I intend to experiment with runny ash glazes, copper vapour fuming, and some fat magnesium glazes. A potter’s gamble, but, after all, what’s the point if you aren’t prepared to bet the proverbial farm???

Wish us luck!

Al Higgins

AL HIGGINS

BROOMHILL POTTERY

I had been coiling ever larger and lumpier “pots” for some weeks when Frank the technician, three-quarters moustache, short of sleeve, long of apron, clapped a hand on my shoulder and shepherded me to a kick wheel, where six orange-sized lumps of red clay awaited. I was told to get on with it; fifty-plus years later, I still am…

Repetition throwing is a very addictive process. The comradely ranks of a repeated form (all the same, all different) beckon more recruits. The paring away of superfluous movements is very satisfying. You believe with each pot, perfection is getting ever nearer, until it isn’t, and it’s time for a long tea break, or taking a daft dog for a walk.

I love throwing, whether it’s knocking out hundreds of flower pots, or a run of half a dozen “specials”… ”All the same, all different”- that’s the hypnotic lure.

I don’t decorate much; I like the gifts of the kiln more (on the whole). So far, woodfired kilns and soda ash have enlivened what I make, but I’m getting too old for the rigours of wood gathering and splitting. So, my Rohde gas kiln will have to suffice, though it’s sad to think I’ve built my last kiln arch…

I intend to experiment with runny ash glazes, copper vapour fuming, and some fat magnesium glazes. A potter’s gamble, but, after all, what’s the point if you aren’t prepared to bet the proverbial farm???

Wish us luck!

Al Higgins