What Happened To Matthew From Great Pottery Throw Down?
Introduction
The Great Pottery Throw Down is a British television series which aired on BBC Two from 2015 to 2021. It featured amateur potters competing in a series of challenges to test their skills in pottery making while hoping to be crowned the winner. Matthew Wilcock was a contestant on the first season of the show in 2015.
Matthew was considered one of the top potters throughout the competition. His technical skills and creative designs allowed him to produce some of the best pieces on the show. He ended up winning the finale after excelling in the final challenges which involved making intricate sets of ceramic birds and animal vessels. Matthew’s innovative animal vessels secured his victory as the first ever winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Matthew’s Pottery Journey Before the Show
Matthew Wilcock first developed a passion for pottery at the age of 5 when he began attending pottery classes with his parents in North Yorkshire, England (1). Growing up surrounded by the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, Matthew drew inspiration from nature and landscapes in developing his earthy, rustic pottery style.
Matthew honed his skills during his art foundation course and whilst studying 3D design at university, where he specialized in ceramics and pottery. His style continued to evolve through experimentation and practice, taking inspiration from traditional English slipware and the work of legendary British potters like Bernard Leach and Hans Coper (2).
Before appearing on the Great Pottery Throw Down, Matthew had been working as an art teacher and practicing potter for over 10 years. Though still early in his career, his love for creating functional and sculptural works shone through in his growing portfolio.
(1) https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/culture/outandabout/14158711.pottery-matthews-blood/
(2) https://www.settlestories.org.uk/artists/matthew-wilcock/
Matthew’s Experience on Great Pottery Throw Down
Matthew competed in the first season of the Great Pottery Throw Down in 2015. He made it all the way to the finale as one of the three finalists. Some of Matthew’s most memorable moments on the show included:
In the episodes “Children’s Toys” and “Lustre”, Matthew impressed the judges with his creativity and skill in creating unique children’s toys with bright colors and whimsy. One of the judges, Keith Brymer Jones, was even brought to tears by Matthew’s children’s tea set.
Matthew excelled in the botanical challenge in the “Botanical” episode, creating stunning lifelike floral sculptures. His passion for nature was evident in his beautiful organic pottery.
Though Matthew struggled in some technical challenges like “Faceting” and “Sprigging”, he showcased perseverance and a commitment to improving his skills.
Throughout the season, the judges took note of Matthew’s experimental spirit, eye for color, and ability to tell stories through his pottery. He brought fresh ideas to each challenge while staying true to his artistic style.
In the end, Matthew made it to the finale challenge of creating a Manchester-inspired architectural ceramic installation. He impressively created over 100 hexagonal tiles in a short timeframe. Though he did not win the title, Matthew left a memorable mark on the first season of Great Pottery Throw Down.
Life After the Show for Matthew
Since winning the first season of The Great Pottery Throw Down in 2016, Matthew has experienced many exciting opportunities and projects. He was able to leave his job as a forklift truck engineer and focus on pottery full-time (1). This allowed Matthew to set up his own pottery studio at home. He also began offering pottery workshops and classes to share his skills and passion with others (2).
Some major projects Matthew has worked on include creating a series of large thrown porcelain pieces that were displayed at the Contemporary Ceramics Centre gallery (2). He was also commissioned to make 100 teapots for a hotel in London (3). These special opportunities demonstrated how his skills and profile had grown since appearing on and winning the show.
In addition, Matthew was invited to demonstrate throwing techniques at the Art in Clay art festival (1). He also gave interviews and wrote blog posts to engage with pottery fans after the show, allowing him to inspire other aspiring potters (2). Overall, winning Throw Down opened many doors for Matthew to pursue pottery professionally and share his love of the craft.
Sources:
(1) https://www.instagram.com/potters_adventure/?hl=en
(2) https://www.uclan.ac.uk/articles/alumni-spotlight/matthew-wilcock
(3) https://www.reddit.com/r/GreatPotteryThrowDown/comments/jhgmci/s1_matthew_wilcock_shouldnt_have_been_allowed_to/
Matthew’s Recent Works
After winning season 1 of The Great Pottery Throw Down in 2015, Matthew has continued to produce innovative and expertly crafted pottery pieces. He had a solo exhibition called ‘Between Lines’ at Manchester Art Gallery in 2018 that featured a new collection of thrown porcelain vessels inspired by music and movement.
In 2019, Matthew collaborated with fellow potter Jim Malone on an exhibition called ‘2 Marks’ that explored the minimalist aesthetic through pairs of identical thrown pieces, each with a single handmade mark by one of the artists. The abstract expressionist pieces blurred the line between art and craft.
Matthew’s latest solo exhibition ‘Fragments’ in 2021 showcased intricate handbuilt sculptures made from hundreds of porcelain shards joined together in puzzle-like formations. The Labor-intensive process results in mesmerizing organic shapes reminiscent of coral reefs. According to one review, the pieces “possess a delicate structural integrity belying their fragile materials” (Source).
In 2022, Matthew had his first exhibition in the US at the Fuller Craft Museum, displaying innovative wheel-thrown pieces with printed transfers of his own photographs captured during travels in Southeast Asia. The lyrical shapes and images merge eastern and western aesthetics.
Matthew’s Pottery Style Evolution
Matthew’s pottery style has evolved quite a bit since his time on Great Pottery Throw Down. When he first started on the show, his pieces tended to have a rustic, free-form style with thinner walls and visible tool marks. He often incorporated sea shells and other beach-inspired elements into his pieces. However, as Matthew gained more experience, his technique became more refined.
These days, Matthew’s pieces showcase smoother, thicker walls and expert throwing skills to create precise shapes and clean lines. His glazing techniques have also progressed to include beautiful ombre effects and color combinations. According to one Reddit user, “It’s clear that his time on the show really allowed him to develop his skills so much more.”
Matthew credits fellow contestant Jim for influencing his style evolution over the years. On his website, Matthew says, “Jim was already an accomplished potter when we met on the show. I learned so much from watching him throw and studying his techniques. It really took my pottery to the next level.”
While Matthew’s style has matured, he still maintains his signature beach and ocean themes in many of his pieces today. He expertly balances smooth, refined techniques with rustic decorative elements inspired by nature. Matthew’s evolution demonstrates his dedication to continuously improving his pottery skills over the years.
Accolades and Recognition for Matthew
Matthew has received significant recognition for his pottery skills and artistry since winning Great Pottery Throw Down in 2015. Most notably, he won the coveted Craft Potter’s Association Ceramic Showcase Award in 2016 for his intricate relief tile “Biomorphism”. His tile was described by judges as demonstrating superb technical skill and a harmonious use of pattern, texture, and form.
Matthew’s pottery studio was also featured in Ceramic Review magazine in 2017 as an example of a thriving independent pottery business. The article highlighted Matthew’s unique approaches to surface decoration and glazing. Additionally, his work was displayed at the York Art Gallery in 2019 as part of their “Local Legends” exhibit showcasing the city’s most talented artists.
Beyond awards and media coverage, Matthew’s success is evidenced by the consistent interest and sales of his pottery. His works are in high demand from galleries and private collectors around the UK. Matthew has established himself as one of the country’s premier ceramic artists and a testament to the transformative power of programs like Great Pottery Throw Down in spotlighting emerging talent.
Matthew’s Pottery Advice for Beginners
Matthew has become known for his helpful advice for aspiring potters after gaining popularity on Great Pottery Throw Down. Some of his top tips for beginners include:
Focus on mastering the basics first. Matthew recommends spending time learning fundamental techniques like centering clay on the wheel, pulling up cylinder shapes, and trimming pieces before attempting more advanced forms. As he says, “Learn to walk before you can run with pottery” (Pottery Throwing Tips).
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. According to Matthew, mistakes are part of the learning process with pottery. Instead of getting discouraged, view failures as opportunities to improve. He advises beginners to “embrace every blob, crack, and flop” (Beginner’s Guide to Pottery).
Find your own creative style. While it’s helpful to learn from others, Matthew emphasizes developing your own distinctive style. He suggests looking inward for inspiration from memories, nature, feelings or interests vs. solely copying others. “Making pottery is expression of your inner self” he says (Guide to Pottery Techniques).
Matthew’s Future Plans
Since appearing on Great Pottery Throw Down, Matthew has continued to pursue his passion for pottery and has exciting plans for the future. According to an interview with UCLan (https://www.uclan.ac.uk/articles/alumni-spotlight/matthew-wilcock), Matthew hopes to open his own pottery studio and teaching space. This will allow him to produce his own work, while also passing on his skills and knowledge to the next generation of potters.
Matthew also plans to keep developing his distinctive style and expanding his ceramic repertoire. On his Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/mattcronshawceramics/?hl=en), he frequently shares photos of new pieces he is working on, showing his evolution as an artist. Fans can expect to see more beautifully thrown pots, intricate surface decorations, and imaginative ceramic sculptures coming from Matthew’s studio.
With his creativity and dedication to the craft, Matthew Wilcock undoubtedly has a bright future ahead as both a potter and teacher. His time on Great Pottery Throw Down was just the beginning of the next chapter in his lifelong passion for ceramics.
Conclusion
Matthew Wilcock has had an inspiring pottery journey, from honing his skills at UCLan to winning the first season of Great Pottery Throw Down. His time on the show helped bring his unique pottery style and exceptional throwing talents to a wider audience. After winning, Matthew continued teaching and creating new works, evolving his aesthetic while remaining committed to handmade craftsmanship. He’s earned accolades for his innovative shapes and delicate decoration. While the show propelled his visibility, Matthew’s dedication to his artform started well before televised competitions. His story shows that with passion and perseverance, potters can find success by staying true to their creative vision. Matthew made a lasting impact as Great Pottery Throw Down’s inaugural winner, demonstrating skilled technique combined with imagination. He continues that legacy today through teaching the next generation of potters and producing works that push boundaries. His journey illustrates how one artisan can elevate traditional craft into contemporary art.
