It’s previously been shown on BBC2 and More4, but now The Great Pottery Throw Down has a new home on Channel 4 – and a new presenter, Siobhán McSweeney. It’s as heartwarming as ever as 12 of Britain’s best home potters compete, all under the watchful (and sometimes tearful) eyes of judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller.
Every Sunday on Channel 4 at 7:45pm, you can immerse yourself in the trials and tribulations of creative contestants as they showcase their pottery prowess - transforming ordinary lumps of clay into pieces of glazed glory.
Each episode sees contestants vying for the "Top Potter" title as they tackle mammoth challenges, hoping to showcase enough skill, technique, and originality to avoid elimination.
It's not just for pottery enthusiasts either - with the art form's rich heritage, intriguing technical language, and potential for magical transformations, The Great Pottery Throw Down brings the messy and marvellous world of pottery to life.
Who's the host of The Great Pottery Throw Down?
The previous host of The Great Pottery Throw Down was Melanie Sykes, but from Series 4 in 2021 it will be hosted by Siobhán McSweeney. Siobhán is an Irish actress who has worked on a variety of films and TV series as well as various appearances on stage, but this is her first hosting role.
"As a genuine fan of the show, you can imagine my delight when I was asked to present the series," says Siobhán. "Despite assuring them I had no idea what I'm doing, Keith, Rich and the team have welcomed me to the fold with open arms.
"I'm looking forward to comforting and cheering on our marvellous potters and plan on having and bringing a lot of fun to the wheel!"
Who are the judges on The Great Pottery Throw Down?
Keith Brymer Jones is back as a judge, joined by Richard Miller (taking over from series three judge Sue Pryke).
Keith has been passionate about pottery from a young age, and currently works as the head of design for ceramics retailer Make International.
Rich has worked on the show since series 1 as a pottery technician, but in series 4 took the place of judge. He also runs stoneware tile company Froyles Tiles and has collaborated with a wide range of architects and designers.
"It's been such an inspirational and positive show to be a part of," says Rich. "Being given the opportunity to come back as a judge was amazing. Keith's enthusiasm is infectious, it's great judging alongside someone whose passion for ceramics matches my own. Plus, I no longer have to have sleepless nights worrying about dropping the potter's creations en route to the kiln!"
Who are the contestants in The Great Pottery Throw Down 2021?
This year the 12 passionate home potters are:
Susan, a Library assistant who was roped into painting and DIY as a child and discovered a creative streak.
Former model Shenyue, who ditched her role in the corporate world to follow her passion for ceramics, despite only being a potter for a year and a half.
Sally, a former graphic designer that used to call potters “mudslingers” when she was a tidy graphic design student, but now admits to being at her happiest when she’s in a “t-shirt, jeans and covered in mud.”
Peter, a visual arts teacher who returned to university at 50 years old to follow his passion and study a degree in ceramics.
Community nurse Lee, a constant crafter and hobbyist. He picked up pottery from an acquaintance three years ago, and hasn’t stopped since.
Jodie, NHS scrub nurse, triathlon and ironman enthusiast. She took up pottery two years ago when she was looking for a winter activity.
Irina, who works as executive ground staff for a private jet company. She loves to throw “feminine, floral, breathtaking romantic vases”.
Henry, an activities organiser in an elderly residential home. He taught himself to throw on a disused kick wheel and outside of pottery, loves trampolining, trapezing, unicycling and juggling.
Community-spirited volunteer Hannah, who says she developed her ceramics skills by learning through "osmosis" whilst volunteering at a pottery studio.
Ara, a retired theatre wardrobe manager that likes to accessorise his pots with studs, nuts and bolts, inspired by his costume days.
Architecture student Alon, who was raised in Israel and loves to cook traditional meals from his heritage.
Adam, a support worker who turned to clay when he was recovering from a car accident. He loves hand-building and is particularly inspired by the sea.
Inspired to start pottery yourself?
If watching The Great Pottery Throw Down has inspired you to try a bit of pottery yourself, you're not alone - the team at Yours feels exactly the same. We've found some essential gear you need if you want to try out pottery as a new hobby:
Essential Beginners' Pottery Kit
1 of 6DAS 1kg Modelling Clay
If you want to start potting, you need some clay – the most basic bit of gear to invest in. This best-selling clay is air-drying and doesn't require any cooking (in the oven or kiln) and is easy to experiment with. It'll probably take about 24 hours per cm thickness to dry, before you can decorate with poster paints or varnish. It's also available in terracotta.
2 of 6Sculpd Pottery Kit
Great for beginners, this pottery kits contains everything you need to get started. Pinch pots are an easy place to start (plus super useful once they're finished, for keeping nick-knacks and bits and bobs). This is also a fun kit to do with children, too, for interactive play. There's enough clay for two people, or just more for yourself. The clay is air-drying, so you don't need to worry about getting a kiln. You can add more bags of clay to your order if you wish. **What's included:**2 Packs Premium Air-Dry ClayStep-By-Step Beginners Pottery GuidePottery Carving, Shaping and Cutting Tools & Tool BagWhite Acrylic PaintGlossy Varnish / Sealant2 PaintbrushesSponge for Smoothing
3 of 6John Lewis & Partners Make and Paint Pottery Set
A basic pottery kit to get you started, aimed at children but who cares about that, clay is clay. It's a simple kit but includes some bright paints to decorate your creation with after it's air dried. What's included: 1.2kg of air-drying clayRolling pinModelling tool12 2.3ml ceramic paintsPaintbrush
4 of 6The Clay Club Pottery Kit
This kit is pretty all-inclusive, with more tools than the kits above, so there's plenty of scope for experimenting with different designs and techniques. Perhaps better if you've got a bit of experience with the basics. The instruction booklet is easy to follow. What's included: 1.5kg Air Hardening Clay Loop ToolPotter's RibRibbon ToolNeedle ToolWood Modelling ToolRound SpongeAluminium ScraperWire Clay Cutter
5 of 6Pottery Tools & Apron
Once you've got the hang of the basic techniques, this set includes loads of tools to allow you to get more experimental and technical with designs. It includes 30 tools, with a carrying case to keep them all tidy, plus an apron and sleeves so you can get as messy as you wish.
£24.59
6 of 6DK Complete Pottery Techniques
Swot up on techniques and practices to learn more about your new hobby with this in-depth and comprehensive guide. Also available on Kindle.
The Great Pottery Throw Down is on every Sunday at 7:45 on Channel 4.