William Plumptre

In 1985, having studied ceramic design at Chelsea College of Art, William travelled to Japan to continue his training. There he spent a year with master potter Tatsuzo Shimaoka, a Japanese Living National Treasure and one time apprentice of Shoji Hamada. 

William set up his own pottery in 1987 at Hartsop in the Lake District, later moving to Witherslack in 1994 where he creates his pottery today. 

 William’s work is influenced by his time in Japan. He makes thrown and press moulded pieces, decorated with rope and other material and inlaid with different coloured slips. His glazes are made largely of local materials including wood ash and granite and all of his work is reduction fired in his gas-fired kiln.