Shaping Stories in Clay: An Evening with Rob Sollis at The Clay Yard

Dartington’s deep connection to British studio ceramics runs back nearly a century. It all began in the 1930s, when Bernard Leach and his son David helped shape a creative vision rooted in craftsmanship, beauty, and community. The story evolved again in the 1970s, when the legendary potters Marianne de Trey, David Canter and Mick Cass founded the Dartington Pottery Training Workshop (DPTW). Their influence still echoes through Devon’s clay and the hands of those they taught.

One of the DPTW pupils was Rob Sollis, who joined Dartington as an 18-year-old apprentice in 1984. Spotted early for his natural gift on the wheel, Rob trained under tutors, Hazel and Cook’s guidance and went on to forge an extraordinary career spanning four decades. His thrown forms have found their way into exhibitions, galleries, and even Hollywood — appearing in Ridley Scott’s blockbuster Prometheus. 

The Clay Yard is hosting “An Evening With Rob Sollis” where Rob will be sharing his 40 year life as a potter, some of his very special pottery techniques and plenty of  pottery anecdotes in the intimate and interesting setting of the studio.   The event is on Friday 10th April and can be booked online via www.thecraftyardtotnes.co.uk/robsolliswith tickets costing £20.