How I got into ceramics

Alan Birchall - a collector and a potter

Welcome to my pottery pages. I hope you enjoy browsing and find something that appeals to you.

Prior to setting up Red Lion Pottery in 2006 I worked as a General Practitioner but I had an interest in ceramics from an early age probably generated by the BBC interlude film "The Potter's Wheel' shown during the 1950' and 1960s.

My first real introduction to making pots was in evening classes during my early 20's but I didn't train seriously until much later following early retirement in 2002. At this point I studied for a City & Guilds in ceramics and then a diploma at Derby University. Since then I have attended numerous workshops and masterclasses with well known and distinguished British and Japanese potters, all of whom have significantly influenced me.

Inspired by the natural world and oriental culture, I make individual, thrown, functional and decorative pieces. Influenced particularly by Japanese potters, I also create hand-built and carved pieces. 

I work mainly in stoneware, occasionally in porcelain, and fire using an electric kiln. Glazes are based on traditional oriental recipes and usually incorporate local wood ashes. The combination of natural ash and added slips produce new and exciting effects with each firing.

As of October 2024 i have downsized and moved to a bungalow. As a result of this I have closed Red Lion Pottery and sold my wood-fired kiln. I will continue to make pots but on a reduced scale and all pots will now be electric fired. 

I still have a large stock which is available or will be added to this website.

Alan Birchall