Langtons Pottery
Pottery throwing is becoming increasingly popular. Jackie Ankelen, owner of Langtons Pottery, understands why. Here, she tells MaHa about her picturesque studio and the joy of clay.
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How did your life in pottery begin?
From a very young age, I have always been drawn to ceramics. The school I went to didn’t do pottery, so as soon as I was 18, I took myself off to numerous pottery classes at local studios and evening classes. While pursuing a career in TV Production, I continued with pottery classes wherever possible. Thirty years later, I decided to return to my love of pottery-making full time and set up a studio in my garden shed, predominately hand-building pieces, then later I set up a wheel which helped me to learn how to throw cleanly. I have always worked in the creative fields, but there was an itch I needed to scratch. So finally, twelve years ago, I returned to making pots and took classes with different ceramicists to learn new techniques. Once I had mastered these, I knew it was time to set up my own studio and to share the joy with others. Not a day goes by where I am not truly grateful for the path I have taken. How long have you had the studio? Langtons Pottery Studio celebrated its first anniversary this March, having opened its doors in March 2025 at The Manor Rural Business Park in Tur Langton. We offer two and a half hour ‘Pottery Taster Classes’ and six-week ‘Pottery Courses’, both of which include learning hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. The wonderful response from people wanting to learn, or even just have a one-off go with a group of their friends, has been overwhelming. What do you think people get out of making pottery? When people come to the studio, the first thing they make is a pinch pot. It’s such a wonderful and simple way to introduce people to clay, and the response from those new and familiar to the process is how natural the clay feels in the hand – and just how relaxing it is to move the clay and open it out. Making anything with your hands concentrates and quietens the mind, so it can become quite meditative, while still allowing you to engage in conversation. Another thing I’ve learnt from people over the last year is that they believed they weren’t creative and wouldn’t be able to make anything, but are always surprised at the end of the class to find they have made a pot or two. Clay also allows you to explore the creation of textures or mark-making in various ways, and then finally there’s the joy of discovering glazing, exploring endless combinations like an alchemist. What do you enjoy about running your business in this area? I love the fact that I’m surrounded by countryside, creating the perfect environment to work within. This transmits to all my clients who relax as soon as they enter the studio. The amount of creative people in this area is unbelievable, even more so for those who come here and surprise themselves with their own creativity. What plans and events do you have coming up this year? I will be taking part in the Blaston Show in June, and will be selling my pots and promoting Langtons at various arts and crafts fairs throughout the year. I will also be working towards a special outdoor Raku event later in the year. What would you say to anyone who has always fancied having a go at pottery but is a bit scared to try? My advice is: come and get your hands dirty and see the enjoyment it brings you! Langtons Pottery is based at The Manor Rural Business Complex in Tur Langton. Email [email protected] or call 07775 824443
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Issue 29
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