About Nicola Werner | Handmade Pottery in Somerset
The pottery is based in a rural workshop in Fitzhead, Somerset, where each piece is made and decorated by hand.
I create a range of majolica pottery and tiles, from everyday pieces to personalised gifts and bespoke commissions. Many are inscribed for weddings, birthdays and meaningful moments, made to be used, enjoyed and kept for years.
Over time, I’ve developed a distinctive style of pattern and colour, inspired by traditional majolica but softened to suit the light and landscape here in the UK. Much of my work is shaped by years of practice, observation and a love of decorative arts.
I continue to design and paint every piece myself, supported by a small and brilliant team in the workshop.
Training & Background
I studied Fine Art at the Central School of Art before training with Alan Caiger-Smith at Aldermaston Pottery, where I learned the foundations of tin-glazed earthenware.
I set up my first pottery in 1986 in Trottiscliffe, Kent, before moving to Somerset. The workshop is now based in Fitzhead, where the business has gradually grown over the years.
The Handmade Process
Each piece goes through several careful stages:
- Thrown by hand on the wheel
- Slowly bisque fired
- Dipped in a handmade tin glaze
- Painted individually using fine brushes
- Glaze fired again to bring out the colour
The clay comes from San Sepolcro in Italy, the historic centre of majolica pottery, and the glaze is based on a long-established Aldermaston recipe.
Every pot is slightly different. That’s part of the charm.
Colour & Style
Visit the Workshop
You are very welcome to visit the workshop, but do get in touch first to arrange a time, as I may well be out walking the dog or quietly absorbed at the wheel.