In this episode, Sue Pryke shares her inspiring journey through ceramics, from learning how to cut leeks to prescribed lengths for supermarkets in her father’s business as a youngster, to working at Wedgwood and subsequently establishing her own design studio.
She explores the importance of heritage craft skills, balancing industry with handmade quality, and how her upbringing influenced her meticulous approach and love for design and the ability to produce beautifully designed and ergonomic pieces at scale.
Key Topics:
Sue’s early passion for pottery sparked by A-level coursework in the 1980s
The influence of Lincolnshire’s landscape on her appreciation for precision and uniformity
Transition from craft-based work to design at Leicester, including her degree in Design for Manufacture
Her experience at Wedgwood and involvement in traditional model and mold making and the challenges faced in preserving heritage skills
Moving into her own business and collaborations with IKEA
The significance of mindful, detail-oriented craftsmanship
The role of failure and iteration in creative development
Reflections on parenting, balancing family life, and fostering entrepreneurial instincts
Participation in The Great Pottery Throw Down and media influence on ceramics
Future projects involving creamware molds and a return to studio practice
Embracing change, re-evaluating life phases, and the importance of adaptability
“Understated, afford-able, functional and elegant. Sounds easy but is very hard to achieve. Designs that fit in rather than stand out, a true test of excellence. ” — Barbara Chandler, The Evening Standard
This podcast was originally recorded for Do Radio, so huge thanks to them for letting me share this episode with you.
Connect with Sue Pryke:
Resources & Links:
Oliver Burkman’s 4000 Weeks – on managing time and life priorities
The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 3– TV Show promoting awareness of ceramics
Royal College of Art – The home of ideas
Wedgwood Official Site – Historic ceramic manufacturer
Royal Society of Arts Awards – Recognition in ceramic design
Prince’s Youth Business Trust – (Now the King’s Trust) business support and funding
