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A Passion for Pottery
In the heart of the village of Niton, Sara Watson and Scarlett Felstead have transformed their passion for pottery into a thriving business that resonates with both locals and visitors. With a combined experience of over 15 years, honed under the tutelage of the renowned Neil Tregear, Sara and Scarlett have created a sanctuary for creativity at the Isle of Wight Pottery Studio.
The duo began offering pottery classes in early 2023, a venture that has quickly blossomed into a community hub. Their studio, once a butcher shop, is now a lively space where imagination is moulded into beautiful ceramic pieces with classes for a wide range of people, from children and families to hen parties and holidaymakers, providing a perfect blend of fun and artistic learning.
What sets their pottery studio apart is not just their expertise but also their commitment to an inclusive and friendly environment."We wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome, whether you're a seasoned potter or just trying it out for the first time, and we’re here to provide help and guidance," says Sara. And their work extends beyond the studio walls. Scarlett and Sara have partnered with local schools and the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, where they run workshops that combine pottery with wildlife education. These sessions allow participants to create pottery inspired by the sanctuary’s residents, giving children a deeper connection between art and nature. There are also pop-ups planned for Cowes Week and Ventnor Fringe.
Both initially came to work forNeil part-time, he was a family friend of Scarlett’s, and Sara began decorating his work and the relationships grew over ten years until both decided to set up their teaching business. They both do however still work for Neil alongside running their classes. This unique setup at the pottery allows Sara and Scarlett to operate in a financially sustainable manner providing great pottery experiences. "It's exciting to be able to have our own business," Scarlett reflects, "especially in such a supportive community. We started with holiday clubs for local kids and progressed on to evening classes and now run weekend workshops where we sometimes ‘buy’ Neil into run masterclasses."“It’s been a steep learning curve,” adds Sara, “but we’ve learned so much along the way about running a business.”
Living on the Isle of Wight significantly influences their work. The island environment not only inspires their creations but also shapes their business operations. On sunny days, the pair often start their mornings with a swim before heading to the studio, and the connection to their surroundings is also evident in their eco-friendly practices like recycling clay to minimise waste.
The Isle of Wight Pottery is a beautiful example of how passion, community, and creativity can come together to build something truly special. The studio is not just a place to learn pottery but a testament to the joy of creating and the power of community.
