The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 8 – Exit Week Seven

In the seventh episode of The Great Pottery Throw Down, the six remaining potters created bird baths that were a tribute to Stoke-on-Trent. Guest judge Sharon Griffin set a surprise sculpting second challenge. 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 Steve was Potter of the Week, and sadly Jonathan had to leave the pottery.   

On hearing the news, Jonathan said: ‘I knew, it’s fine …. see you later gang! On reflection I am just super proud I have got as far as I have.

I wanted to make my kids proud because I have achieved nothing in life really. I left school at 15, dyslexic and no qualifications. And then I had a bad accident when I was 43, I thought my life was over and then I picked up clay, and I am here.’

Here Jonathan talks about his time in the Pottery:

Best and worst moment overall for you during the series? 

Having a laugh with Steve asking him why he was putting black puddings all over his clock. Worst going home.

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 definitely.

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

 In the Green Room getting everyone to say Worcestershire sauce.

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

Yes absolutely.

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

Yes, the Bird bath – I will definitely give that another go.

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

Meeting everyone on day one and my own ability.

Do you feel you have progressed now as a Potter? 

Yes.

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

I was devastated obviously, and it took a week to get over it in a way!

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

An immense sense of pride and self-belief.

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

That I can’t multitask i.e., talk and concentrate.

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

Mugs I'm currently making mugs and plenty of them.

What’s next for you in the pottery world?

I would like to go full time as a studio potter and sell my wares online and at fairs etc.