Richard Batterham - Independent Potter

A 30-minute documentary about one of the UK's finest potters.
Batterham's domestic stoneware is highly collectible - but made for everyday use.
Here he shares his philosophy and demonstrates his art, from mixing the clay to glazing the finished item and much in-between.
Batterham died on 8th September 2021

[@STAIND12300]

"Having a pottery exhibition where you can't handle stuff is like hanging pictures in the dark" I love this so much

[@NetIncomeBuilder]

Wonderful documentary. Richard was my uncle and this captures his understated passion and humility perfectly, so thank you.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thank you. I was sorry to hear last week that he'd passed away - please accept my condolences. I will pass your kind comments on to co-producer Iain Weatherby and director George Young.. All the best, Paul

[@NetIncomeBuilder]

@@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042 The funeral was today, and whilst obviously a sad occasion it was also a wonderful celebration of his life and work and the inspiration he passed on - from those aged eight-to-eighty eight. I hope your film can pass that inspiration to many more people. It brought a tear to my father's eye this evening, and also to mine. Tom

[@georgeyoung9365]

Hi Tom. I’m really pleased you like the film. He was such a great man, your uncle and I miss him. It was a complete pleasure to make this film and spend the time with him. Sorry not to meet you at the funeral. Very best. George

[@thewaythingsare8158]

A beautifully made film and an inspiring insight into possibly the last of the great English potters in the Leach tradition.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thank you

[@timbates40]

Thanks so much for that.... My Mum has a huge collection of his work and we have always eaten off his plates and bowls. I went to school with his sons and also interviewed him while I was at Art college. So great to see such a beautiful sensitive film, bringing back memories...

[@georgeyoung9365]

Thanks Tim. You’re very welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Best. George

[@joycee5493]

“Error, chiefly”....Lol... we all know that feeling but we are addicted to the process anyway...Clay is awesome!

[@amandaneilson8561]

That was the most interesting pottery video. I’ve only been potting for a year but never really thought about the way the clay is made. And that wheel is brilliant. I think I could lose time watching him work.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

It is quite hypnotic! Good luck with your pottery.

[@jamescockburn8886]

That's a terrific film. I taught Art and Pottery at a school in Wimborne and used to love popping over to see RB in Durweston when I got the chance. He had, and still has, strong views about what is good and bad in pottery and, as a result, was good fun to talk with. In 1997 I moved to another school in Kent which had a gallery as part of the Art Department and I soon started to show potters I liked. RB was one of them. I will never forget the show, which was a sell-out. I am now lucky to have quite a lot of his pottery which I use virtually every day. What an example he is for any young potter starting out. I certainly felt very blessed to have known him.

[@georgeyoung9365]

Thanks James. I’m very glad you liked the film. It was a great pleasure to make. I’m sure he will continue to be a great example to many. Very best, George

[@davidmolloy1317]

I like both of these Richard videos! Especially the throwing on the wheel parts, making clay parts, glazing parts, Richard's chat/narrative, and basically the whole thing great viewing for beginners, intermediate and advanced clay artists!

[@prasad.s510]

Thank you for this. I am enamoured by his work and loved watching it. Deeply saddened knowing he passed away.

[@lemoniejules]

Superb. Reminds me of happy time’s visiting him 😊

[@Sonal-ThankyouGod]

Glad to see such passionate people and their love for what they do

[@credenza1]

What magnificent work. His pieces are so humble yet full of life and resonance.

[@willemgebben4804]

I am very pleased that Richard has allowed us an insight into his life and work. Also thanks to the film makers for their fine work. I visited Richards pottery in 1976 and seeing how he lived and worked had a big influence on me. I have been fortunate enough to purchase some of his pots and live with them. They are timeless pots and continue to be a pleasure to use and look at. Thanks for your work

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Willem - thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed the film and I hope you are happy, well and productive in Wisconsin. Paul / Mazza Films

[@noreenwerdal8238]

He is truly a "treasure"...I hope to buy some of his work...a true potter

[@TheOde28]

Rest in Peace, you beautiful being 🙏🏻

[@susannathefinn]

Absolutely beautiful and very humbling. Thank you.

[@Gogogovegans]

Wonderful film. You captured his essence and hard work and art so beautifully. I am an amateur potter, and I greatly appreciate Richard’s wisdom.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Glad you liked it - he is wise indeed!

[@johnwebb106]

Great potter and very good film. #Thank you.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

John - thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. RB was a star in the world of pottery. And, I think, outside it.

[@daryltownsley4562]

So appreciated.

[@hannahruthwalker6867]

thanks for this video, there is something about watching and listening to someone who 'knows'..

[@kayleestone3978]

I enjoyed this so much. Thank you for sharing his art. As a new potter myself I connected with Richard and learned from much from his wisdom.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Lovely - glad you enjoyed it - good luck with your pottery!

[@cynthiakammann7368]

Lovely and thoughtful video. Thank you❣️

[@theresapelham1918]

Very beautifully done ....Bravo

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thank you!

[@peterswanson5311]

An excellent documentary about Richards thoughts and potting life.

[@georgeyoung9365]

Thanks Peter.

[@joycee5493]

Wow, something to aspire to! The glazes!

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thanks Joyce. Thumbs up emoji!

[@BK93752]

Rest In Peace Richard.

[@lizedmunds641]

Brilliant film thank you

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thank you!

[@susyward6978]

So happy I fell upon this video

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

So glad you did!

[@無題-iz2l]

My favorite Ceramic video.

[@georgeyoung9365]

I’m very pleased to hear it!

[@SamEEE12]

A lovely film

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thank you

[@joycee5493]

Great sense of humor !

[@sherigoodremont3823]

Beautiful❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@guyfisher5791]

Very good. Thank you.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Thank you Guy

[@anacolodina1379]

Cai aqui de paraqueda amo cerâmica yd muito lindo muito capricho tds suas peças lindas de mais amei muito.

[@Belajar55]

Saya dari Indonesia saya suka seni kerajinan anda

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

terimah kasi

[@Belajar55]

Saya mempunyai tanah kosong apakah anda berminat buka cabang di Indonesia

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

baik tetapi tidak terima kasih

[@Belajar55]

Saya ingin membuat guci seperti anda tapi tidak tau bahan campuran nya apa itu tuan

[@BrenzerM]

the glazes are breathtaking

[@celiajames2485]

I get great pleasure every day, using his pots, plates, mugs, jugs and dishes. His philosophy comes through to my hands.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

That's lovely Celia

[@pratikshaujawane3917]

Ausome documentary

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Very wise chap

[@williamd1891]

What an amazing potter and story, thanks. I cant help but wonder if his difficulty in breathing is from that 20cm layering of clay dust everywhere. 50 years worth it seems. I ask because I too have this "creative messiness" personality as well. Maybe we should respect the dust a bit more?

[@bluegrasssasquatch4930]

That or COPD. Poor guy.

[@davidmolloy1317]

I'm not so familiar with British clay artists, born Dublin Ireland moved to Pennsylvania age 5....I notice Michael Cardo being mentioned can I get a spell check for him?...as my search isn't taking me to any relevant clips videos ,or films??

[@edrose9012]

Cardew

[@shyeronen1775]

the mic'd breathing is crazy

[@johndemeen5575]

What is a fourtnight? Thanks from.St. Paul Minnesota.

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Hi John - a fortnight is an English (British) word meaning a two-week period, derived from 'fourteen nights'

[@johndemeen5575]

@@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042 Quite nice of you too respond. Must be a bit of English slang. From, St. Paul Minnesota.

[@thehappypotter9612]

I keep coming back here for inspiration. Seems like he fired once?

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Glad you are inspired by Richard. Sadly he died last month. Sorry - I don't know if he fired just once.

[@thehappypotter9612]

@@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042 , as in from greenware to glazed, instead of first firing to bisque temperature, and then another firing to glaze the articles

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

@@thehappypotter9612 I don't know

[@theodorebatterham3719]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@paulfenwickmazzafilms4042]

Hello Theodore - glad you like it! Are you and Richard by any chance related?

[@theodorebatterham3719]

Paul Fenwick Mazza Films non

[@ThomasMorleyceramics]

be nice to have the space produce your own clay etc...

[@adb551]

Please wear a respirator when mixing dry ingredients. You may wind up breathing like this poor soul. A wonderful talent paying the price for his art.

[@alexanderschorn]

I was wondering if thats what it was. :-(

[@PaulsGarage]

Good point, silicosis is no joke. He's also doing a lot of physical work at 80+ years old so thats some of the reason too, but definitely take care of your lungs!

[@sashanealand8315]

yeah lets spend life on a respirator! Please shutup and myob

[@Adam-ui8iy]

I wish Alan Watts was a potter

[@SAGHAJAR]

What is he doing sieving clay ? No narrative no explanation!!!

[@willemhekman1788]

to remove any lumps or rocks.

[@derptothemaxclearly]

Did he die of heart failure? That gasping he does most of the time is an early symptom.

[@hojoinhisarcher]

jan23