Ed Bentley, Ceramic Artist, Designer and Tutor

Contact name: Ed Bentley

3
Total bookings

Rating

(69)

over 11 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

For over thirty five years Ed Bentley has worked within the global ceramic tableware and giftware industries as a shape designer and product developer. He offers expert tuition in plaster modelling and mould making for slip cast ceramics. Ed specialises in taking a concept from a sketch through to a final piece, using his knowledge to develop designs that are both original and easy to produce. He works from his own studio or on-site anywhere worldwide. His clients include The Royal Collection, H.E Smith Tiles Ltd, Chris Dyson Architects, Suzie Hoodless London, The Portland House Project, BCB Ceramics biannual, Lenox China USA, Queensberry Hunt and Steelite International. He has also worked closely with artists/designers Paul Scott, Kit Anderson, Layla Khoo, Ian McIntyre, Tony Laverick, Sasha Wardell and Sue Pryke.

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

PRESTATYN

Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

1 day

Next date: 3rd Dec 2024

(69)

£300.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

9 Oct 24'

Vera reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I feel very fortunate to have attended a 5-day workshop on plaster for models and moulds in my home country (BE), led by the brilliant Ed Bentley. The main focus was on sledging, a technique that, to my knowledge, is not commonly taught here—except perhaps in construction work. We were a very demanding group, each with our own project, but Ed navigated this masterfully, seamlessly switching between students. Every step was explained clearly, with a touch of British humour. As non-native English speakers, we found Ed perfectly understandable (though communicating the other way around may have been more of a challenge!). We all managed to create several models and moulds by the end. Some of us also had the chance to try out the lathe and the whirler, though sledging remained the central topic. It's worth noting that Ed was teaching outside of his own studio, without his usual materials or even the plaster he was used to. Yet, as participants, we hardly noticed this. Throughout the workshop, Ed remained good-humoured, pleasant, and fun. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, both in terms of technical learning and the human connections we made. I will definitely sign up again if Ed crosses the channel once more!"

15 Jul 24'

Kayt Hughes reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent 4 days with Ed making 2 models and 2 moulds. I already had some knowledge about mould making but Ed taught me really professional processes and I learned a number of new techniques, including using the lathe, which will hugely elevate the moulds I make. Ed is super friendly and takes every step at the pace of the learner, with lots of photos and opportunities to ask questions, meaning the knowledge can be transferred beyond the workshops back in your own studio. I would recommend these sessions to anyone! "

23 Jun 24'

Lisa S reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent a day with Ed in his studio at the Spode works making a model and a mould for my current art project. His tuition was excellent and very thorough and even though I have some prior knowledge I learned an incredible amount about the nuances of this very skilled process. I brought away a beautiful model and mould so I can now slip cast with some excellent well informed background knowledge. I would recommend to all other makers and will return for some future projects. "

1 Apr 24'

Polly Taylor reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I am doing research into setting up a pottery abroad and I went to Ed to get more of an idea of what was involved in creating moulds for slipware. I had a great day learning so much in Ed's studio - all very relaxed and Ed was very patient explaining the steps on how to go about it and gave me great tips and pointers, with lots of examples on his shelves to illustrate what he meant. We turned a small bowl out of plaster on the lathe as the first part of the mould- making process. If only I had more days to hand to spend with Ed - I will certainly be back once I have got things up and running. I can highly recommend this course. "