For over 30 years, Martyn Gardiner honed his skills as a furniture maker, crafting functional and beautiful pieces from wood. But eight years ago, he discovered a new passion—pottery. What started as an interest quickly developed into an obsession, leading to the creation of Crow Moor Pottery, where form, function, and natural influences shape every piece.
From Furniture to Clay: A Natural Transition
Martyn’s shift from furniture making to pottery wasn’t a complete departure but rather an evolution of his craft. “Form follows function” has always been his guiding principle, and whether working with wood or clay, practicality remains at the heart of everything he creates.
Working with stoneware suits his aesthetic—he favours a textured clay body and draws inspiration from the natural colours of the countryside, ensuring that each piece feels as organic as its surroundings.
The Learning Curve and Kiln Catastrophes
Being entirely self-taught, Martyn describes his creative journey as “a steep learning curve but very rewarding.” Of course, that journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest disasters came with his first kiln purchase, which frustratingly wouldn’t fire to the necessary stoneware temperatures. But setbacks like these have only pushed him to refine his techniques and perfect his craft.
A Potter’s Daily Rituals
Martyn’s workspace is just as rich in character as the pieces he creates. His studio is housed in an old, timber-framed blacksmith’s forge—steeped in history and filled with creative energy.
A typical day starts with wedging clay, ensuring it’s properly prepared before he moves on to whatever needs making. Unlike some artists who work late into the night, Martyn sticks to a structured 9-to-5 routine, making time for both discipline and inspiration.
While he works, the studio is often filled with the sounds of folk music and BBC Radio 6’s Riley & Coe, keeping the rhythm of creativity flowing. And, of course, no workday would be complete without good black coffee and a muesli-and-fruit snack to keep him fuelled.
From furniture making to stoneware pottery, Martyn Gardiner’s journey is one of adaptability, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for materials. Working from an old forge, he brings a traditional yet modern touch to pottery, ensuring that every mug, bowl, or functional piece he creates is built to last.
Whether inspired by the landscape or the form-first philosophy of design, his work is a testament to how one passion can seamlessly lead to another.
With a mug of black coffee in hand and folk music in the background, Martyn continues to shape clay into timeless, functional pieces, proving that good craftsmanship never goes out of style.
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