Background

Seth Cardew was born in the pottery at Winchcombe in Gloucestershire. His earliest memories are of the sights and sounds of pottery being made by his father Michael Cardew and his helpers Sidney and Charlie Tustin and Elijah Comfort.

His art training was at Chelsea School of Art, and Camberwell Sculpture School, the teacher there being Dr. Karel Vogel. In 1960 in expectation of following a career in sculpture he became a studio modeller for the film industry, and did this work for ten years. His learning curve continued in the company of some sanguine gentlemen who had also found employment in films.

At the age of 40, in 1974 he responded to the promptings of two influential people, Chaim Rabbinovitch and Michael O'Brien, to enter the pottery at Wenford Bridge as a learner, and enjoyed the benefit of Michael Cardew's infectious enthusiasm and sense of style until his death in 1983.

At this point it was decided to open the pottery for short courses and in this way pass on the torch of this human approach to pottery. Courses are now conducted in the congenial atmosphere of Spain, where students are instructed in the philosophy and techniques derived from the famous stylist, and are often surprised at their own proficiency after only a few days.

Contact for courses at Albadas, Spain is  rob@farrardigital.com

 All photographs are courtesy of Wendy Blackburne at Cheddington Studio pottery 

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