Retired potter gives her carers a lesson in pottery making

CARE home staff have been getting lessons in pottery making from a resident and retired potter in their care.

Margaret Brook, 84, is a former pottery workshop and gallery owner as well as a published author on the subject.

Now living at Aden Lodge Care Home, in Clayton West, Huddersfield, Margaret has revived her passion after a potter’s wheel was installed at the home.

She has since been teaching staff how to use the wheel – the same one she used in her studio before moving to the care home.

Previously she also sold craftwork and pottery from other artists, as well as displayed her pieces at exhibitions, craft fairs and markets.

Margaret was also a part-time pottery tutor for Kirklees Metropolitan Council.

She said: “I asked if I could bring my pottery wheel to the home and continue doing what I love. I was overwhelmed when it came.

“I’ve made three different pots so far. It’s also been fun to teach the staff how to create various shaped pots.”

Staff discovered Margaret’s career as a potter during a recent Life History Week initiative, which prompted her to share photos of her workshop and her published book, called “A work guide to making slip decorated earthenware”.

Kim Hardy, home manager at Aden Lodge Care Home, said: “It was lovely to get a lesson from Margaret and the best thing was it brought back some amazing memories for her.

“We always encourage residents to bring their personal belongings with them when they move in.

“We also tailor activities to residents’ personal interests and hobbies so when we discovered Margaret was a professional potter, we were only too happy to install her old pottery wheel and support her passion.

“We’re sure there will be a lot more pottery to come from Margaret yet and hopefully we will be able to display it within the home when finished.”