My husband and I had the most wonderful week with Sylph in early June this year. I attended pottery throwing each day with Sylph while my husband explored the beautiful surrounding countryside by bike. Evenings were spent laughing and getting to know Sylph over wonderful locally-sourced wine and delicious home-cooked nutritious food, many of the ingredients sourced from Sylph’s own veg garden.
The gites is the most tranquil and comfortable place. Sylph catered for our every need, including checking our requirements in advance and providing accordingly, e.g., decaf coffee and tea for me. Being an old water mill, the gites was also beautifully cool, a much appreciated contrast to the 35 degree heat outside.
The week with Sylph was so helpful and inspiring. I am an experienced hand builder but had very little experience of throwing on the wheel. I have osteoarthritis in my basal thumb joints and moderately severe essential tremor. I’ve always thought throwing was beyond me as it relies on steadiness. Sylph adopts an attitude of “never throw in the towel, work with your limitations and just push a little at a time” She readily took on the challenge of my disabilities, demonstrated techniques beautifully, gave clear instructions, watched carefully, and stepped in with gentle guidance and support, including directing me to helpful tools, when needed. Together we succeeded!! I was over the moon and I returned home with a range of beautiful items, all hand thrown, pictures attached. But more importantly, confidence that I can now throw despite my challenges.
As Sylph puts it, “the wonderful fact about clay is that it is all about feeling and healing. Something you can use to nurture and ground yourself”. I am a clinical psychologist with 40 years of experience behind me, and I could not have put it better myself. If you are looking for an inspiring pottery throwing course with a master potter who is also the most gentle kind and caring human being, and all set in a beautiful calming nurturing place, then look no further, I cannot recommend this holiday, or Sylph, enough!
Sylph, I send you huge thanks and very warm regards.
Lorna xx
Dr Lorna Hogg
