Paul Davis in action

Sidestoke home | Paul Davis home



Paul Davis lives in a cottage not far from the workshop and in it every available surface is covered with pots, many of which he brought back from Japan. His enthusiasm for the history of Sturt is revealed when he brings out various written records he has rescued from oblivion. Analyses of local materials dating back to McMeekin, various notes handwritten by Blakeborough and McMeekin, are all presented with enthusiasm, along with a wealth of oral history. It is fascinating to be reminded that there was once a time when the recipe for a tenmoku glaze was regarded as highly confidential.

Paul Davis glazing a platter

Side stoking the double chamber kiln

Because of its history and geographical location Paul feels that The Sturt Pottery is a natural focus for Australian potters, particularly those interested in woodfiring. He encourages passing potters to call in and see the place.

To stay in Sturt Cottage, as Carol and I did, is to be surrounded by the work of past Sturt Potters and more recent visiting potters. The wardrobe in the room where we slept contained shelves of pots made by Svend Bayer, we passed a large Ian Jones storage jar on the way to the kitchen, and various shelves and glass cases contained a parade of significent pots. We left a few artifacts of our own of a less distinguised nature: a glass coffee maker, a set of car keys, items of clothing....

Sidestoke home | Paul Davis home