Brewery Arts in Kendal has installed two new pottery kilns, opening the way for greater capacity and more flexible creative sessions at its studio. The equipment was funded by The David Snowdon Trust and replaces a previous kiln that had been at the centre of the pottery programme for more than 20 years.
The new kilns, supplied by Northern Kilns, are larger and more energy-efficient than the studio’s former equipment. Brewery Arts says they will support its programme of weekly courses and workshops, while creating more opportunities for people at different stages of their pottery journey.
More space for local pottery sessions
The investment is intended to benefit the studio’s established community of adult potters, people who are new to clay and young people interested in developing pottery skills. Brewery Arts said the additional capacity would bring greater flexibility to its programme and help more participants discover clay, learn techniques and make work together.
The change comes as the pottery team starts a new term with equipment that can better meet demand. Chris Barnes, Potter and Pottery Programme Facilitator, said: “Thank you to our dedicated staff for finding funding for two new kilns! The old one had done sterling work for us, for as long as anyone could remember, but it was struggling to keep up. New term, new kilns and newfound enthusiasm!”
Trust support for arts access
The David Snowdon Trust said its grant was designed to help protect and develop pottery and ceramic sessions at Kendal Brewery Arts Centre. Deb Parkinson, the trust’s Grant Officer, said: “The David Snowdon Trust are thrilled to fund the new kilns, ensuring The Kendal Brewery Arts Centre can protect, innovate, and grow its wonderful pottery and ceramic sessions for years to come.”
Parkinson added that supporting access to the arts across Westmorland and Furness is part of the trust’s charitable objectives, with the funding intended to make creative experiences available to the local community.
Brewery Arts thanked the trust for investing in the future of pottery and creative learning. The venue said the new kilns would help it continue providing opportunities for people of all ages to develop skills and enjoy pottery for years to come.
Information about Brewery Arts’ pottery programme, including weekly courses and workshops, is available through the venue’s website.