Hi, I'm James, the maker behind Hobbs Ceramics, a small pottery business based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. From my garden studio, I create handmade ceramics and offer private pottery lessons for those looking to discover the rewarding process of working with clay.

I've always loved tactile art, whether that was experimenting with glue and cardboard at school or discovering clay as a medium during my teenage years. There was something about the material itself that really spoke to me. The ability to take a raw material and transform it into something unique, functional and potentially lasting for thousands of years fascinated me then, and it continues to inspire me today. I take great pride in every piece I produce, paying close attention to the details, proportions and finish to create pottery that is both beautiful and practical.

During my time at university, I began to develop my artistic approach, looking more closely at the world around me and using those observations to inform my work. Alongside ceramics, I've always had a passion for astronomy, particularly the extraordinary colours and vibrancy of distant nebulae. This fascination originally led me to explore the Japanese raku firing technique as a way of achieving striking colours and unique surface effects. Over time, my practice evolved towards high-temperature firings, allowing me to explore colour, texture and finish in different ways.

The story behind Hobbs Ceramics

After completing my studies, I returned to Bicester in 2015 and began building a small pottery studio in my garden. Working with what I could afford, I gradually saved enough to invest in my first pottery wheel and kiln, beginning the process of developing my skills as a potter. I taught myself to throw on the wheel as I went, learning through experimentation, practice and plenty of trial and error.

From the beginning, I was drawn to the idea that something I had made by hand could become part of somebody else's everyday life. Whether it was a coffee mug used each morning, a bowl brought out for a family meal or a personalised ceramic gift given for a special occasion, I loved the thought of my work being used, appreciated and enjoyed beyond the studio.

That idea continues to shape Hobbs Ceramics today. My work has developed towards a clean, minimalist and elegant aesthetic, with an emphasis on considered design, quality craftsmanship and functional forms. Custom coffee mugs have become a particular focus, alongside handmade kitchenware, homeware and personalised gifts. I enjoy exploring different shapes and sizes, from small cappuccino cups to oversized mugs, and working with customers to create pieces that feel personal to them.

Over the years, Hobbs Ceramics has grown from a small garden studio into a brand reaching customers internationally, with retail and wholesale clients across the globe. I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've received from family, friends and the local community, and for every customer who has chosen to bring a piece of my work into their home.

Discover pottery for yourself

Alongside making and selling my own ceramics, I want to share the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes from working with clay. This is why I'm developing private pottery lessons at my Bicester studio, offering a personal, hands-on introduction to pottery and wheel throwing.

If you've ever watched a potter at the wheel and wondered whether you could do it yourself, these sessions are designed to help you find out. You don't need any previous experience, artistic training or special skills — just a willingness to get your hands dirty and have a go.

My beginner pottery lessons give you the opportunity to learn at your own pace in a relaxed, one-to-one setting. We'll explore the fundamentals of working with clay, from preparing and wedging the clay to learning how to centre it on the pottery wheel and begin shaping your own forms. As your confidence develops, you'll have the chance to experiment with making different pieces, refining your technique and discovering the creative possibilities of clay.

For those who would like to explore pottery in more depth, my multi-week courses provides time to practise wheel throwing, develop your forms and discover surface decoration and glazing. I'll guide you through the different stages of the process, helping you understand not just how to make a pot, but what happens to it as it dries, is fired and becomes a finished ceramic piece.

Pottery takes patience and practice, and every potter has to start somewhere. My aim is to create an encouraging environment where you can learn new skills, experiment, make mistakes and enjoy the process of creating something by hand. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a creative experience to enjoy for yourself, or a unique gift for someone else, I'd love to introduce you to the world of pottery.

Thank you for supporting independent makers

Hobbs Ceramics remains a personal project built around my love of making, design and the possibilities of clay. Whether you're purchasing handmade ceramics, commissioning a personalised piece or joining me for your first pottery lesson, your support helps me continue doing something I'm genuinely passionate about.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me and Hobbs Ceramics. I hope you find something here that inspires you — whether that's a piece of pottery to use every day or the opportunity to create something of your own.