An Afternoon WithTom Knowles Jackson
Sunday 22nd November 2026 | 12pm - 4pm | £60pp
During this one-off event, renowned Potter, Tom Knowles Jackson, will present his interpretation of ‘the Leach tradition’ and how it, and other life experiences, have and continue to shape his work.
What to expect
On 22nd November we will be welcoming renowned Potter, Tom Knowles Jackson, for an afternoon of conversation and demonstrations.
Tom makes a range of functional cook and serveware for the table and home. His work is high fired stoneware, using a small range of his own glazes derived from iron, copper and wood ash.
During this one-off event, Tom will talk about his career and practice as well as giving two full-length throwing demonstrations. The first demonstration will focus on repetition throwing - showing how to use a potters grade to make two small batches of different pots. The second demonstration will show how Tom makes his larger statement pieces, such as a giant serving platter or a banqueting bowl.
GUEST SPEAKER BIOAbout Tom
Tom Knowles Jackson trained under Steve Sheridan as a schoolboy at Bryanston School in Dorset. Careers in the Army and in business in the Middle and Far East finally surrendered to Tom’s inexorable call to ceramics.
Tom now works in South Gloucestershire where he has established a brace of open access ceramic makerspaces; The Clay Loft near Stroud and Clay@The Fold between Malvern and Worcester.
Tom makes a range of functional cook and serveware for the table and home. His work is high fired stoneware, using a small range of his own glazes derived from iron, copper and wood ash. Tom says that he enjoys making simple enduring forms that have function and purpose and that can bring joy to the daily routines of eating, drinking and sharing.
USEFUL INFOThe Details
During this one-off event Tom Knowles Jackson will present his interpretation of ‘the Leach tradition’ and how it, and other life experiences, have and continue to shape his work. Tom will share details about his introduction to pottery as a young schoolboy in Dorset, how he maintained it during early careers in the British Army and later in business; a time punctuated with long spells in the Middle East, East Asia and Africa.
“In 2010 a twenty-year distraction finally gave in to the inexorable lure of clay and from 2018 I have been a full time potter.
During the talk I will share my philosophy of how pots can enhance our lives. Closely linked to good food and drink I will demonstrate making the pots that continue to inspire me to make useful pieces to enhance the ceremony of eating and drinking; a shared ritual so perilously close to being forgotten in the West yet one that flourishes to this day in other cultures.” Tom Knowles Jackson
Tom will give two lengthy throwing demonstrations as well as a slide show presentation and talk. The first demonstration will focus on repetition throwing - showing how to use a potters grade to make two small batches of different pots. The second demonstration will show how Tom makes his larger statement pieces, such as a giant serving platter or a banqueting bowl.
There will also be a Q&A session so guests will have the opportunity to ask Tom any questions they might have.
Guests will be provided with a delicious light lunch. Please give details of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Tom’s work will be available to purchase at this event.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The event is 4 hours long and starts at 12pm and finishes at 4pm.
-
Yes, Tom will have some of his pieces available to buy.
-
Yes, you can expect to enjoy a light lunch and refreshments. Please inform the team of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking your tickets.
-
Yes, we have plenty of parking. There is free parking directly outside the studio. We do ask that you are mindful when parking so that we can maximise on the space we have and also to be respectful of our neighbours.
