Alison Sandeman

By the age of 16 I had already decided that a life of making pots was my future. After four years at Art School I set up my first pottery at Donnington with a colleague, making functional pots and individual pieces in stoneware, porcelain and Raku, and writing the first practical handbook on working with porcelain. We later moved the entire pottery to Stansted near Rowland's Castle. Throughout this period I have taught at West Dean College, initially on the short course programme, but for many years also to the specialist students on the Conservation and Fine Art courses. This collaboration led to exploration of ancient making and firing techniques; Prehistoric pots, pit firing, wood firing and researching making techniques with the UCL Institute of Archaeology. The dynamic of running a pottery studio and teaching has provided a balanced and practical approach to my life as a potter which I have found fulfilling and rewarding in all facets of the relationship.