Behind Goat Willow

After studying ceramics at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen, I worked for over 20 years supporting adults with learning disabilities to create wonderful and unique pottery pieces. As well as this, I have been teaching classes at Edinburgh Ceramic Workshop since 2022.

Goat Willow Pottery CIC was founded from the idea that I wanted to make pottery available to all. H

aving experienced what an accessible and therapeutic medium clay is, I needed to find a way to share this with the wider community. In particular reaching out to those facing challenges in life, that may prevent them from easily accessing classes.

Through funding, we have run subsidised classes, which Goat Willow Pottery CIC will continue to offer. These classes will continue through further funds, grants, and ultimately revenue from paid classes, allowing subsidised places on all courses, fulfilling the ethos that our pottery is inclusive to everyone.

When I was considering names for the pottery I sought something linked with my four children. However, this proved very difficult, so, as having a love of nature and trees, I decided to see which trees were beside the workshop. This turned out to be a goat willow tree. So rather than the name relating to the children, they all employed their artistic skills to design the logo.

Sue Barclay

Pottery Instructor and Director at Goat Willow CIC