During our recent weekend in Swellendam we spent a morning at Bukkenburg Pottery Studio learning the potting ropes from master potter, David Schlapobersky, himself.
It was such a special morning spent in his authentic and creative space. His studio filled to the ceiling with pots in various stages of development – from the raw clay to the shapes urns to the final glazed product.
David and his partner Felicity have been potty since 1973! Known for the wide range of stoneware and porcelain, they work from this beautiful space in the heart of Swellendam surrounded by their gorgeous garden and right next door to the Drostdy Museum.
David was gracious enough to even let my kids try their hand at the potter’s wheel and with his expert and patient assistance they both created their very own pots, something not even I can lay claim to! From the looks of it they LOVED the experience and both asked for a second turn almost immediately!
During the morning we learnt so much about the art of pottery – from getting the right clay mixture, recycling the clay to mastering the wheel to create beautiful hand-made pots of all shapes and sizes. We even got a look inside the HUGE kiln and how they glaze the larger than life pots.
The showroom and studio of Bukkenburg Pottery Studio are open daily and visitors are welcome to pop in to browse and enjoy the creative environment but you might like to phone ahead just in case no one is home! This is a country town after all!
Contact Bukkenburg Pottery Studio
8 Hermanus Steyn Street, Swellendam
Tel: 028 514 1644
Cell: 082 342 5453
Email: bukkenburg@sdm.dorea.co.za
Web: www.pottery.co.za
