Museum described as a “real hidden gem” by television star

Nantgarw Chinaworks Museum has been praised as a “hidden gem” by Great Pottery Showdown finalist Angharad Reed.

Bridgend-born Angharad, who appeared on the Channel 4 show earlier this year, recently paid the museum a visit, meeting staff, volunteers and students.

The museum was once home to a ceramics factory producing some of the world’s finest porcelain, with ornate pieces sought after by the very wealthy. But production was short-lived due to the complex firing process – and the recipe for the porcelain was lost in the 1800s.

Today the site, on the side of the A470, is popular not just with visitors interested in its history, but a new generation of potters and their students. Run by a charitable trust, the museum relies heavily on volunteers who give guided tours.

During her visit, Angharad met potter Sally Stubbings, who continues the tradition of porcelain-making started by William Billingsley, using the very same formula of raw ingredients now rediscovered by the museum. She guided Angharad through a slip casting technique to make her own porcelain Christmas bauble.

Angharad praisedher experience at Nantgarw at and urged others to visit.

She said: “I was blown away by my visit. I had no idea of the history right here on our doorsteps, and it was beautiful to see the restored kilns, more than 200 years after the artist William Billingsley used them.

“It was great to see that the museum doesn’t just channel everything that went on in the past but is pushing forward by having resident potters using traditional skills to make contemporary pieces. I think it’s fantastic.”

Angharad was left impressed with the volunteers’ work and their knowledge about pottery and its history.

“It’s a great credit to the volunteers,” she said. “It’s also lovely to see how accessible it is, giving people the chance to learn not just pottery but botanical painting, glass art, and other skills. I feel really lucky to have been able to visit, it’s a real hidden gem.”

Mari Lowe, Nantgarw Chinaworks Musuem director, said: “We all enjoyed following Angharad’s progress through to the final and seeing her create special pieces inspired by family and friends.

“It was wonderful to welcome her to Nantgarw and see her genuine enthusiasm for the museum’s heritage and collections and for the work we are doing today.

“We are very much a living, breathing community of students and volunteers, and Angharad really appreciated that.”

The museum is open to visitors Wednesday to Saturday, 10am until 4pm with last tours at 3pm. Booking is recommended.

Students’ work will be on sale at the museum’s summer fair and open day being held on Saturday July 4, between 10am and 3pm.