Great Yarmouth Potteries

The Pottery

The pottery, together with the shop and refreshment area, are situated in an ancient building with a little courtyard. As soon as one enters the yard you are transported back to  “Yarmouth past” with tarred timbers and pieces of old ships and other nautical paraphernalia helping to give you the feel of what’s in store inside. Every aspect of the making of the beautiful items that Ernie and his team produce are on view in the little rooms that make up Great Yarmouth Potteries. Here an ancient 300year old well still supplies fresh water from an underground spring used in the mixing of clay to slip. Watch the clay slip being poured into the intricate moulds, hand made by the team. Watch the moulds being opened to reveal the exquisite detail that makes these products so desirable: through, past the kiln, spray room and mould making room through to the 300year old smoke chambers smoke chambers. These are left as they were last used  in 1965.  Stroll through the museum and see photographs and watch a video at your leisure.  When you leave the smoke chambers carry on up the stairs where the last chamber which abuts the 700year old town wall with arrow slits, has been made into a picture gallery. Here, some of Ernie's superb, seascape paintings, for which he is becoming well known,  are hung.: These are huge and standing approximately 4ft by 6ft. Smaller paintings are available on a commission basis. Carry on through to the shop with its huge display of pottery which is laid out in more original, beamed rooms. This is a family run business and Ernie Childs or his wife are usually on hand somewhere in the building to answer your inevitable questions and to help you make this a visit to remember.

Your children are invited to take part in our free, fun quiz, if they wish, while they look around.