Lorraine Bates – Woodsetton Art Pottery
Taking part in Potfest in the Pens – Melton Mowbray
At Woodsetton, two generations and an upcoming third, have made their livings as designer-makers for over 50 years. Strands of work include gallery pieces made by transforming the fossils, and firing the clay, rocks and minerals of the area on which the studio stands to make thrown and handbuilt stoneware pieces of use. Following Lorraine’s early career in Stoke in the field of technical ceramics, glaze formulations and long firing cycles are constantly in flux, ensuring that each firing presents something new.
The second strand of studio work is Woodsetton’s long tradition of working with numerous galleries, museums and academic institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum. Their design briefs form a welcome antidote and bring a discipline of constraints to general studio practice.
Lorraine trained at Bath Academy of Art in Corsham and regularly exhibits in the U.K. and Europe. A regular visiting lecturer and past chairperson of The Midlands Potters Association, winning Product Design Awards from The British Jewellery and Giftware Federation 6 years in succession.