Notes From Herridge - Edition 01

Hello, and welcome to the very first edition of Notes from Herridge 
A short monthly ritual from the studio where I’ll share what I’ve been working on, where I’m heading next, and spotlight a fellow maker whose work I love (and I hope you will too!).

Before you worry this might be a long read, don’t! I promise it’s a 5-minute break. I’m dyslexic, and writing essays has never been my strength… but sharing stories, that I can do. So grab yourself a coffee, and let’s catch up.

Studio Happenings

The past six weeks have been all about prep for the Cuxham Mill x Herridge Pottery Supper Club - 74 guests over two nights this weekend! Every place setting will include a handmade dinner plate, side plate, and ramen bowl, with extra serving pieces like feasting bowls, cake stands, candlesticks, bud vases and jugs.

It’s been a real labour of love, six weeks of making (while juggling commissions), and my poor kiln has barely had a break. That’s why there’s been no shop update recently… but with all that tableware now in stock, I’m excited to say that Herridge for Hire has officially launched. If you’re planning a small event and would like to hire handmade ceramics, I’d love to hear from you.

Recent Commissions

Many recent commissions have come from lovely conversations during Oxfordshire Art Weeks, from giant feasting bowls to butter dishes, mugs and porridge bowls. Some were new colourways of familiar pieces, others completely bespoke with dates and messages to mark a wedding, anniversary, or new beginning.

If you’ve seen something you’d like recreated, or are interested in some personalised pottery, get in touch. I'm always happy to talk commissions.

Oxfordshire Art Weeks

This already feels like a lifetime ago, but my first Arts Week was a real highlight. I was located up at the brilliant Tree Barn, Christmas Common, alongside 11 other inspiring artists.

Over 10 days we welcomed more than 1,000 visitors. Each of us had a working space to demonstrate and chat to guests, and I even did a bit of spontaneous teaching (it’s hard to say no to a child who wants to play with clay!).

One very special collaboration was with fellow ceramicist Satnam Bains, together we began work on a small series of lanterns. They’re not quite finished yet, but keep an eye out… at least one is still available.

Oxfordshire Art Weeks is well worth a visit if you haven’t been before. In Watlington alone, over 70 artists and makers take part, and with The Tree Barn just up the hill, it makes a brilliant day out.

The South Oxfordshire event runs 2nd–10th May 2026.

Other Recent Events

In May, I also had the chance to literally go back to my roots - using my civil engineering background to help build a wood-fired soda kiln with Harriet Coleridge under the guidance of Joe Finch. It was fascinating to understand how these wood-fired kilns work (I’ve only used electric until now!), and to ask all the beginner questions while we stacked bricks and planned the draft. 

The first firing is coming up and I’m hoping to sneak in a vase using a copper carbonate glaze, in an electric kiln it comes out green-blue, but in the oxygen-reduced environment of a wood-fired kiln, it should (in theory) turn oxblood red. I can’t wait to see what happens.

In early June I joined a makers’ event during Hambleden Open Gardens, a charming village where time really has stood still. There’s a village covenant protecting it from modernisation, and it’s been the backdrop to many films and TV series. It was a gorgeous day full of friendly chats, pottery talk, and even recipe swapping. If you’re ever in the Henley or Marlow area, it’s well worth a visit.

What’s Next

Next up is the Stonor Park Craft Fair over the August bank holiday. I’ll be there with David Wright, and we’re showing together under the name South Oxfordshire Potters. We’ll be bringing a wheel and doing live demos over all four days, if you're curious about how wheel thrown ceramics are made it's a great chance to see the process, please pop it in your diary and come say hello if you're nearby.

Maker Spotlight: Jess Sarson

My very first maker spotlight couldn’t go to anyone but Jess Sarson. I first met Jess in May 2022 when I began wheel-throwing lessons in her garden studio in Peppard Common.

Her work is beautiful - simple, thoughtful, and inspired by the seasons and natural world. It was such a privilege to learn from her each week and watch her making cycle unfold. Most of her pieces are functional artisan table and homeware, and they’re truly a joy to use. Clearly, I’m not the only fan - Jess was recently featured in Country Living UK!

Thanks so much for reading this first edition of Notes from Herridge. If you enjoyed it, please do share it or let me know — and if you have a maker you think I should spotlight in future, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Until next month,
Henrietta x