Meet the maker David Barber

Welcome to our Etsy shop. My wife and I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England.

Stoke-on-Trent is world renowned for its pottery, and although many of the larger industrial potteries are now in decline, smaller, family run potteries are springing up and forming the green shoots for a brighter future.

Of course living in an area with such a prestigious ceramics heritage it was almost inevitable that I (David Barber) would embark on a career in the pottery industry. After leaving school I completed an apprenticeship in the production of ceramic transfers. This propelled me on to complete a BA Hons degree in Creative Arts. Following this I pursued a career as a designer.

After the birth of our daughter, my wife (Jen) enrolled on an evening pottery course. She was quickly hooked and we'd soon converted our garage into a pottery studio. It wasn't long before she talked me into having a go on the wheel. I took to it immediately (much to her annoyance!) and soon Jen couldn't get me off the wheel.

As time went on the beginning of a dream began to germinate in our minds. Could we make a living from this hobby that we love? We're always working on that dream and each pot that we make and sell brings us closer to it.

We make stoneware coffee mugs, soup bowls, jugs, teacups, tea bowls, plates, teapots and much more. As well as our range of crockery we also make personalised wedding favours and giftware. All our pottery is food, microwave and dishwasher safe. All of our pottery is hand made, with love and attention to detail.

For more information see my website www.henhousepottery.co.uk