Arts & Crafts at The Friars
Aylesford Pottery
Aylesford Pottery was founded in 1954 by David Leach, whose father Bernard introduced the Japanese style of glass into this country. The tradition of producing hand-made Japanese glazed stoneware is continuing at The Friars.
Another potter of note was Colin Pearson who introduced many new designs. Members of the community worked originally in the pottery, included Brother Michael McMullen alongside a number of Portuguese potters.
The Pottery is one of the few surviving commercial potteries in the southeast of England making a range of handmade thrown and hand-built ceramics, plus architectural commissions. The pottery also runs a school for over 100 students. Visitors will find Alan Parris and Billy Byles at work throwing pots.
Visitors can also browse the gallery of their work seven days a week. Alan and Billy are the two master potters who run the pottery today.
Aylesford Priory has always inspired the creative arts, but in particular the role of ceramics has been central. Alongside Leach and Pearson the name of Adam Kossowski plays an important part. It was he that produced an extensive range of ceramic friezes that illustrate parables from the Bible which can be seen in buildings all around the estate.
(Below: The unveiling of the Blue Plaque from the local Council. Alan Parris and Billy Byles with John Leach, son of David Leach OBE)
Please click here to see their website for further information
Upholstery
You can come to us with any and all of your upholstery and soft furnishing needs and we guarantee you an excellent service.
Whether your requirements are antique, domestic or commercial, we are here to advise on every project, and to provide you with an outstanding quality of craftsmanship.
We can breathe a new lease of life into a beloved piece of furniture, any size, any style, big or small, antique, classic or modern; or we can create a new, bespoke piece of furniture for you, a one-off, hand-made design, specific to your individual requirements and needs, and the finishing touch you have been looking for.
We also have an excellent trimming service to help you furnish your motor home, caravan or boat and give you the home from home touches that provide the comfort and style you want.
And we have an outstanding and complete soft furnishing service. We can provide you with loose covers, cushions, curtains and blinds to any dimensions or style, using any fabric of your choice, and help you to create something that can really transform your home or work space and complete your individual decor.
For any enquiries you may have or to arrange a free home consultation, please call us on 01622 790891 or you can contact us using our enquiry form.
You are also more than welcome to visit us at our workshop at The Friars in Aylesford with any queries you may have and we’ll be happy to help. We’re open every weekday from 9am ‘til 5pm, and very often at weekends. If you’re planning to pass by, just give us a call to make sure we’re on site.
Click here to visit the site
Kent Woodturners
We are based in Aylesford, near Maidstone, and are affiliated to the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain. We meet twice per month - one Tuesday evening and one Saturday. We have a number of lathes and other equipment for the use of members and have a library of books and DVDs available to members.
Our aim is to share woodturning skills and experience and to develop the abilities of woodturners of all abilities and ages.
We hold an Exhibition and Sale twice yearly and regularly support charities with our work.
Please visit their website here for more information.
Aylesford School of Ceramics
For more information and how to book click here
