Sydenham Ceramics & Fine Art

14/09/2026

Thought I’d do an update on the studio as we go into a new week. The roof was VERY wavy and had seriously sagged, particularly in the area where we want to replace the rotten window with French doors, causing a major height issue. After a lot of brain ache, John came up with a brilliant plan and has managed to straighten it and raise the sagging area by a few inches, at the same time strengthening the existing timbers. Not an easy task, without stressing the surrounding fixed areas but it has worked. 🙌 😮‍💨
The aim now is to have the new frame made by the end of this week, so we can get some doors on order🤞

12/09/2026

Had a very happy moment this morning after managing to get a firing done despite the current chaos the studio is in.
I have been experimenting over the past weeks with different bought clays, texture, oxides and using local island clays on the surface.
These are 4 vessels made using this approach and just what I was hoping to achieve ☺️

20/08/2026

Last week John and I started renovating my pottery studio. It is thé worst room of the house as single skinned and very cold and damp in the winter. I’m going to try to post updates as we go as a good record to look back on.
This week was about starting to strip out all the grot and it was disgusting.
With masks and hats, we started with the ceiling, a strange bonded papery material, battens and old insulation. It’s hard to describe the sheer amount of mice droppings (plus a few little skeletons), rubble, black dust and skank and was a truly horrible job.
We then removed all the old plasterboard, stud work and timbers, now de-nailed for re-use.
The old mouldy units, sink and appliances are out.
Old wiring, pipework and tiles removed.
We just have the rafters to de-nail and will then have a blank canvas to work with which is very exciting as will be such a great studio space and really pleased with the progress. Despite being a mentally and physically tough week, Johns been amazing and we’ve been a great team.
Sure helps to be able to shut the door on it at the end of the day and have a nice space to retire to unlike last year when we were living in the mess 😂
Watch this space ☺️

10/08/2026

So, it will be quiet on the making front for the next 2-3 months as we now start to blitz the studio for a complete refurbishment.
It’s needed as the studio is quite damp and cold in the winter.
Lots of demo involved but very excited to be starting this new phase in our home back on the island.
Will try to remember to post updates.

03/08/2026

Another beautiful start to the day. 🤗

07/07/2026

New pieces in the beautiful Aqualibrium Gallery on The Duver, St Helens

23/05/2026

Just getting ready for Open Studios again today, Sunday and Monday 11-4.
Managed a sneaky swim 🤗

23/05/2026

https://youtu.be/zoPVI8ZF52w?si=UXJOwde1po9_3ZaA

Love this…

‘SHELTERED - Art Ecology and Belonging on the Appley Coast’ A public art and regeneration project by artists Alice Malia and Laura Hathaway. Film by Trudie W...

22/05/2026

This was waste ground last year. Just think nature’s amazing. These beautiful poppies have come up from goodness knows where all on their own and what a difference a bit of sun is making 🤗

18/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who has visited during Open Studios over the last weekend. It’s always so lovely to engage with people direct and more and more I’m seeing familiar faces which is amazing and I really appreciate all the support.
I will be open again from this Thursday onwards, but in the meantime thought it would be nice to share this photo. Certain pieces I get attached to and this was one that I was actually very sad to say goodbye, so it was lovely to be sent this for me to see her in her new home.
🥰