Northern Potters Association

The aim of the NPA is to encourage and support artists in the production of sculptural, functional, fine art and decorative studio pottery in all its forms throughout the North of England

Upton, Martin

I completed a foundation course at Chesterfield College of Art in 1972/3 and I then went on to study ceramics at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts from 1973 – 76. I studied alongside fellow students such as Jim Malone, Colin Caffall, Kate Wickham and Dan Kelly. Tutors on my course included; Colin Pearson, Janice Tchalenko, Glenys Barton, Gordon Baldwin, Ewen Henderson and Ian Auld plus visiting lecturers.

When I completed my course  I set up Sandy Hill Pottery in Middleton by Wirksworth, Derbyshire making a range of domestic stoneware. During this time I became interested in teaching and eventually, I became an art teacher. I retired from teaching four years ago and returned to my first love of making pottery at far End Pottery.

I make a wide variety of individual pieces at Far End Pottery in West Yorkshire and all my work is fired to stoneware in an oxidising atmosphere. I undertake the odd commission and I have made more sculptural pieces as a consequence.