What a brilliant week.  As a first year BA mature student in Design Crafts (Ceramics) at the University of Hertfordshire, I wanted to extend my practice of throwing with a professional and saw Sylph’s advert for summer courses in Ceramic Review.  She’s found a great way to provide a wonderful creative environment in rural France to pass on her incredible knowledge of functional ceramics and history of the craft.

My techniques have improved so much in a week, I can’t wait to get back to University to try them out.  She tailors her teaching to your own level or designs and encourages the sort of discipline and finish required by the CPA (Craft Potters Association)! In addition, she’s a lovely warm person to spend the week with and the accommodation and food are amazing – every day is a new experience.

I’d thoroughly recommend her courses to anyone who wants to immerse themselves and feel very privileged to have spent this time with her and my fellow student, Josie.

Mandy English, June 2018.

I have just spent a delightful week with Sylph, improving my throwing skills in her studio. This was the purpose of my visit.

However, I return to England not only with new throwing techniques and a renewed confidence with porcelain but also with wonderful food recipes.

I have been truly looked after in every respect in her lovely home.

Thank you so much Sylph, you are an inspiration.

Josie Cuming 20^th May 2017

Well, I started off with a list of things to achieve and managed to tick them all off as the week progressed. The tuition was excellent throughout, striking just the right balance.

I know now, to think before I pot and constantly strive for quality.

But the week has been about much more than ceramics – gorgeous house and setting, fantastic food, excellent company and of course, my host, brimming with ideas and inspiration.

Thanks Sylph for a most enjoyable week

Richard Atkinson 20^th May 2017

I thoroughly enjoyed receiving very individual tuition to improve my skills on the pottery wheel. Her attentive and sensitive style of teaching and her wealth of experience and skills allowed me to learn more about my own strengths and weaknesses and become more confident. Sylph’s tuition includes understanding better the whole natural cycle of pottery, from the origin of clay to what happens in the firing and glazing process to increasing awareness of one’s own body when working with the clay on the wheel. This has been enormously helpful and inspiring and it becomes a very wholesome and fulfilling experience.

I am sure this new venue will develop in the most beautiful way as Sylph’s vision for her project is breathtaking as is the beauty of the old mill and it’s natural surroundings. Best of luck! I will surely come back and will recommend it.

Christiane from Germany