Alistair Young : Potter

Alistair Young studied ceramics at Bath Academy of Art and established his first studio in Gloucestershire in 1978 producing thrown domestic stoneware. He has been course leader of the studio ceramics course at the Royal Forest of Dean College and has organising potters conferences such as ‘The Wheel’ and the ‘Salt and Soda’ series. He is the author of ‘Setting Up a Pottery Workshop’ for A&C Black and recently completed projects with Royal Doulton and Asprey, designing and making limited edition salt-glazed pieces.

Victorian salt-glaze pottery has been a rich source of inspiration for Alistair’s recent work. This is evident in his choice of processes, materials and forms.

Alistair has continued to develop his own range of pottery, which includes large decorative wall plates as well as smaller functional items. His work is thrown and often altered by pressing, denting and applying porcelain details. Surface textures are emphasised by firing in salt kiln, which also enhances the colour of the clay body. The smooth glazes often provide a contrast to the textures and colours produced by an unusually fine coating of salt-glaze. The May 2004 edition of "Ceramic Review" contains an excellent write up of Alistair's work with Doulton.