A young graduate is fired up for success after moving to start a pottery business in the home of the industry.
Alex Shimwell , aged 27, who graduated last year in ceramic design, took the leap after deciding he didn’t want to work for someone else.
He moved from Derbyshire to start up the business in Stoke-on-Trent.
And his unique, hand-thrown and decorated pots have attracted widespread praise thanks to the prestigious Potteries Museum, in Hanley, where his work is being showcased.
Trading as Alex Shimwell Ceramics, the young potter has already exhibited at several art festivals and is now aiming to feature his pottery in galleries up and down the country.
Mr Shinwell said: “I use a method of production, known as raku, where I fire the pots to high temperatures in the kiln then place them in a bucket of sawdust which burns and reduces the copper in the glaze leaving a range of colours through oxidation.
“You never know what patterns the flames will make on the glaze so each and every pot is unique.”
While working on developing his company, Mr Shinwell is subisiding it by working as a demonstrator making pots at the Gladstone pottery museum in Stoke.
While setting up his business, Mr Shinwell was given advice by Business Link West Midlands.
Business Link adviser Rob Redfern said: “Although the demand for mass- produced pottery has declined in the face of tough competition from abroad, there will always be a demand for individual, well designed and well made items such as Alex is producing.
‘‘His work is so unusual that we are confident he will find a global market.
‘‘Having Stoke-on-Trent on his backstamp certainly won’t do his business any harm.’’ Mr Redfern said.
Alex is obviously very well thought of in the business and we wish him the best of luck with his new venture.”
