Happy potter’s a kiln star in the making

A HOBBY has become a business for talented potter Donna Gregson who has diversified her Royton business into a teaching studio.

Premiere Potteries, in Kershaw Street, off Rochdale Road, is almost a cottage industry for Donna (36), from Royton, who opened in October, last year.

And she’s celebrating her first birthday by going from strength to strength.

Everything that Donna sells — more than 4,000 products — is made by her own fair hands on the premises, a spacious former motorcycle showroom and workshop.

Donna is already a major supplier to the region’s growing network of ceramic cafes — community places where like-minded people gather to talk, make and decorate pottery. A bit like cyber cafes with the world of clay the focal point that than world wide web.

Initially a retail outlet, Donna has branched into other business areas including parties for girl guides and scouts.

“They come along to the studio and spend time decorating and painting the pottery,” says Donna, adding that party groups bring along their own food and soft drinks.

A growing area of work is people wishing to learn painting and decoration skills.

Donna also takes on commissions for customers who choose a cast, most of which are finished in pure white after firing in one her three kilns.

She added: “This all started as a hobby for me but I’m getting busier all the time.

“I have more than 4,000 casts and can make almost anything, from miniatures to larger items.”