On Tuesday, August 26, the opening of Red Door Ceramics, run by Sara Lee, was celebrated at 58 Cinque Ports Street, Rye.
Rye’s current mayor, Andy Stuart, attended with his most excellent ceremonial golden scissors to cut the ribbon. He gave a great speech highlighting the strong artistic traditions we have in Rye and how the town historically had many potteries. Steve Rivington provided a fantastic acoustic set.
Sara is local to the area, growing up in Beckley and attending the then Thomas Peacocke school in Rye. Her love of ceramics started there under the tutorage of Mr Lee who secured her a job at Rye Pottery straight from school, learning to paint the Chaucer range and many other of the Rye Pottery figures. Wally Cole was a great inspiration at such a young age alongside other very talented people working at the pottery. Sara returned to Rye Pottery years later when Tabby and Josh took over.
Most recently Sara completed a BA(Hons) Designer Maker degree at Hastings University Centre, having twice had work shown in the Victoria and Albert museum and winning an award for pewter work.
The creative industry is not the easiest to navigate with few jobs and opportunities locally and Sara wishes to establish a work experience program for school and college age students.
The studio has long been a dream for Sara, she aims to offer people the opportunity to try pottery for themselves.
The studio is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12.00pm to 9.00pm. During the day you can try your hand at painting some pre-made pottery and the studio also offers hand building with clay and wheel lessons for beginners.
The autumn evening sessions will be classes running from 6.00pm-9.00pm covering all basic skills allowing people to develop their own ideas.
Cost is £30 for up to two hours and all materials included.
Single or small group bookings on request.
Sara can be contacted by email reddoorceramics@icloud.com
Image Credits: Alice Denny .