I first came across clay and pot making at school, then later at Art College in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. From there I was apprenticed at Le Dieu Pottery near Norwich for almost five years, working up from mixing clay to throwing small to medium sized pots, and a lot of glazing. I always wanted to learn more, so during my two week summer holiday I worked for Ray Finch at Winchcombe, absorbing the way a master potter approached his craft. After twenty three years teaching Craft, Design/ Technology and Ceramics in secondary school, I returned to where I feel most comfortable......designing and making tableware.

allenpots was developed from Westgate Pottery in South Devon in 2024. We have a great location overlooking the sea, the Teign estuary and Dartmoor......the light and atmosphere influencing the design of the pottery.

I really enjoy making functional tableware which is good to look at and comfortable in the hand. My pots are once fired to stoneware temperature (1230C) making them strong and robust for everyday use at the table. Glazes are made up to my own recipes, developed and refined over the years.

As each pot is handmade it may differ slightly from its picture in size and colour.

All work is dishwasher and microwave safe, also fine in the oven if heated reasonably gradually.

Mugs and cups are a favourite, used several times a day, so a best mug is a comfort for years.