The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 8 - Exit Week Eight

It was the quarter final of The Great Pottery Throw Down, the five remaining potters create double gourd vases that were fired in brick kilns that they built themselves. Judges Rich Miller and Keith Brymer Jones decided who was potter of the week and who will leave the pottery.

At the end of the episode host Siobhán McSweeney announced that Natalie was Potter of the Week, and sadly Francesca had to leave the pottery.   

On hearing the news, Francesca said: ‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would get to Week 8. I am just so grateful, I know I will look back at this and just think -  wow you did that! This has been a dream come true.  I just can’t put into words how amazing this has been. Happy tears!’

Here Francesca talks about her time in the Pottery:

There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you enjoyed or found tricky during your time on GPTD.

I loved Raku week as well as week eight where we had to build our own kilns and do the lustre glaze. I found the lamp base as well as the bird bath quite tricky, but I definitely enjoyed them too. 

Best and worst moment overall for you during the series?

One of the best moments was getting feedback on my animals in the Noah’s Ark challenge, I could’ve sworn Keith shed a tear! Worst moment was when I realised my corn had exploded! 

Do you think when you watch it back on television will there be parts that you completely missed because you were concentrating on your pottery?

Yes, 100%, I think most of the time I was so focused on my pottery it was hard to take a moment to look around. 

What was the funniest moment that happened throughout the series, can be on or off set?

The funniest moment was when we saw our sculptural faces from the second challenge, we couldn’t contain our laughter!! Seeing all the face expressions we created was hilarious, especially from a distance. 

Would you encourage other amateur Potters out there to have a go on the series and why?

Definitely! It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m so glad I pushed myself to go for it. I would encourage other amateurs to have a go because not only do you meet incredible people but you also learn so much. 

Will you make again anything from the series, when you are at home and have more time?

Yes! I want to have a go at everything again – especially my corn lamp. 

What were you most nervous about the whole experience and did it turn out ok in the end?

I think I was nervous about a lot of things but my nerves were at a high for the first week- I was worried about cracks and all sorts! It turned out great in the end though - everything was intact. 

Do you feel you have progressed now as a Potter? 

I know I have progressed so much as a potter! The Throw Down not only challenged me but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I have grown so much in the process. 

How emotional were you when you had to leave, and how supportive was everyone?

I was quite emotional! More than I thought I would be as I knew it was my time to leave. Everyone was so lovely and supportive. 

What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great Pottery Throw Down?

Apart from the lifelong friendships I’ve made I will take a lifelong of experience and memories. 

What’s the biggest thing you have learned from being on the series?

I have learned a lot but mostly about working in a high-pressure environment and how much can be achieved in what is considered a short period of time in the ceramic world. 

What would you like to make next and how big or small?

I would like to venture into sculptural forms! Starting small and going onto larger ones. 

What’s next for you in the pottery world?

I am currently a pottery tech at my local studio in Bristol, I want to continue doing this role as well as creating! I definitely hope to make this my full-time job in the future.