Ed Bentley, Ceramic Artist, Designer and Tutor reviews

4 Feb 19'

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

"Ed Bentley is a relaxed & patient teacher, his expertise & methodical approach made the weekend at Ed's studio at Spode, Stoke-on Trent, the most invaluable making/learning experience. I studied metals at the RCA a number of years ago & have since returned to the materiality of clay & now i'm developing slip mould designs. I spent a weekend, under Ed's tutoring, to develop a lathe turned shape which was then taken through the process of creating a one piece dropout mould to a three piece mould - Ed's practical intelligence is hugely inspiring, full of top tips & tricks - i've now got myself a RAD gauge set for the lathe. Ed is supportive, inspiring & a highly skilled craftsman. Thanks again for a wonderful making weekend & imparting your knowledge so generously. See you soon for Jigger Jolly training. Thanks again, Ed."

8 Dec 18'

Janice and Mel reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Mel and I had an excellent day learning to make a four part mould in Ed’s studio. Ed coped admirably with our many demanding questions - as we have been making very unpretty moulds and book-learning as we go. He was enthusiastic and fun and ignored my bag full of shapes to settle on the most challenging one. So we learnt all the hard stuff, lots of professional tips, took many photographs and made notes and laughed a lot. Now we must quickly make another complex piece to ensure we remember as much as possible. We certainly recommend Ed for an enjoyable time learning a new skill, from someone who knows everything there is to know about casting difficult shapes."

26 Nov 18'

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

"I too spent a couple of very enjoyable and informative days with the master mould maker Ed Bentley, gaining valuable insight into that particular aspect of ceramics. Furthermore, to add glaze to the clay biscuit, it's worth noting that within one minute's walk of Ed's studio, for those who need it, there is a very good place to stay i.e. reasonably priced, comfortable and recently opened plus a cosy cafe around the corner all within the Spode site. Ask Ed for further details."

18 Nov 18'

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

"I went up to Stoke for a 2day mould making course with Ed. I enjoyed it a lot and Ed is very thorough and a great teacher. Would recommend!"

23 Oct 18'

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

"Ed Bentley is a master craftsman and it was a great pleasure to do block moulding with him. So much so I went back a few weeks later and we made a ceiling rose together. Happily it came home safely and shall gain pride of place in the hall."

10 Oct 18'

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

"I came to see Ed for help with developing some ceramics ideas, shapes and patterns. He could not have been more helpful, in sharing and using his knowledge to help inform my thinking. He really taught me the process and parameters I will have to work within so that I can now develop my thinking and create designs. A great day. Thank you!"

26 Sep 18'

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

"I’ve known Ed for a few years as he was my tutor at Central Saint Martin’s, London back in 2013. I was wanting a refresher course and time to get involved with plaster again so contacted Ed to tap into his expertise. I travelled from Amsterdam and arrived with my model I needed to cast - then we set to work. Ed is easy to chat over ideas with and the final outcome was great. Cheers Ed, hope to see you in Amsterdam soon!"

19 Sep 18'

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

"Spend wonderful day making prototype with Ed !!!! Thank you for your great expertise and guidance!!!! I will be back ... and highly recommend to anyone who works with plaster !!!!!"

11 Sep 18'

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

"I spent a really informative day with Ed, the course was really thorough and I came away with a fantastic moulding of my model - ready for slip casting in a couple of weeks. Thanks again Ed and I look forward to the next course!"

23 Jul 18'

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

"Spent a fantastic couple of days with Ed making a models and moulds. I've been making my own moulds for a while, but it was absolutely invaluable to learn all the professional tricks of the trade with somebody who was so willing to share his knowledge. This will help no end as I go forward and continue with my MA in Glass and Ceramics at Sunderland University - it speaks volumes about Ed's reputation that the University of Sunderland Futures Fund was willing to fund my place on Ed's course in order to further my studies. Can't wait to come back and learn more."

25 Jun 18'

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

"I spent 2 days with Ed learning how to make a mould for a model I already had. He was a brilliant teacher and had so much knowledge. It was a friendly atmosphere and I picked up a lot of new tips. I had already been making moulds but I now have so much more confidence to make more complicated things. Thank you!"

14 May 18'

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

"I spent 3 days with Ed, what a great guy. I am a retired architect and wanted to take up slip cast ceramics, as the design, mould making and the possibility of repetition appeals to me. It was great to see how the professional goes about things and learn some of the 'wrinkles' that are not obvious to the inexperienced. I really enjoyed being able to discuss technicalities and possible alternative ways of doing things. An unexpected bonus was that I found turning plaster on a lathe quite therapeutic! I recommend Ed's patient and professional tuition to anyone wanting to learn the art of mould making in a fun and relaxed atmosphere."

12 May 18'

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

"We had 2 days mould making course with Ed. We are currently studying ceramic design degree course in London. We transferred to this course so we don’t have enough knowledge about mould making so we wanted to learn more skills about mould making during the weekend. It was very helpful and the most brilliant time. Ed taught us the process of mould making very clearly from how to make template to how to make model and mould. We were able to turn four models and made moulds in 2 days. He assisted us and support in every steps of mould making and he is a patient,fun and very gentle teacher :)) We would highly recommend him for mould making needs. we will visit Ed again in the future!~"

2 May 18'

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

"It was a pleasure to spend two days in the company of master craftsman, Ed Bentley. Together we produced much more than I was anticipating and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I used a lathe for the first time and learned about the model making process. I also gained confidence in plaster mould production, seeing fresh possibilities in my practice."

11 Apr 18'

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

"I had a one-to-one day with Ed, at ACAVA studios / Spode Works in Stoke. As someone who works with glass, I wanted to know more about the possibilities of plaster model-making and lathe turning. I also had lots of questions...! Ed was brilliant, friendly and patient. We were able to discuss various options, and then move on to turning and carving the plaster. I left with a much better idea of what is possible with plaster, some handy hints and tips, and a plaster blank so I could continue my voyage of discovery at home. It's great to watch and learn from someone with skill, who knows their materials and tools."

13 Feb 18'

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

"If you want to develop your ideas Ed is your man!! On the strength of my previous experience of doing training with Ed , I returned to do two days tuition on the plaster lathe. As before, his excellent knowledge and understanding of the craft is an absolute godsend and it's great to work with someone who really can assist you and support the development of new work. I was able to turn three new shapes and make the block moulds ready for making the 'Case'- Great fun and more than happy to work at my pace!!"

28 Jan 18'

M.A King reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I did a 3 day plaster mould making course with Ed at the beginning of January and even from the booking stage, I knew I'd made the right choice. I cannot recommend this course enough. Ed was on-hand to look at the objects I wanted to cast (via email), made suggestions and once in Stoke- even picked me up in the mornings! He tailored the tuition to suit my previous experience with mould making and goes above and beyond what is expected of a tutor. The studio is a wonderful place, with the walls used as a place to draw up ideas to demonstrate seam-lines (which I found so helpful- and hilarious). The dedication he has to his craft, professional standing and insider knowledge are only a few of the multitude of reasons I would recommend Ed's course. I would absolutely work with Ed again and would send someone of any level or experience to his studio, as his easy going nature makes learning (and re-learning) so easy."

19 Oct 17'

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

"As a complete beginner to ceramics, I was lucky to find Ed here at Craft Courses. He's the loveliest tutor I've ever met and so knowledgeable in plaster works, his experience speaks for themselves during the two-day class. Can't wait to try my moulds back home! Would definitely recommend!"

17 Oct 17'

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

"I am a furniture maker, and wanted to create a mould for a new product. Ed was very open and listened to what I needed to create. A patient, gentle natured person very knowledgable in the mould making world. He also understands the production of the piece afterwards, so takes you through the whole process and creates a mould for your needs. I would highly recommend him for any mould making needs. An incredible view onto the old Spode factory, a perfect setting. I didn't get to eat one, but would recommend trying an oat cake if in Stoke on Trent, Ed knows a good place."

11 Oct 17'

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

"Travelled from Malta for a one to one mould making course with Ed. So happy that I came across Ed's details, he is a wizard of plaster, knows everything and even more. I didn't expect to learn so much, I didn't know how complicated it's to make a perfect mould, a mould that will last and will produce excellent slipcast pieces. Make sure that your phone has enough memory on it, there will be a lot of pictures, especially if you are newbie, there will be a lot of things you don't expect. Ed is fun and is very patient, and he makes sure that you will learn what you came for. I definitely will continue to work with Ed, hopefully next time in Malta. Thank you Ed!"

3 Oct 17'

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

"As a relative newbie to ceramics, I wanted to learn a new technique - so came to visit Ed as a complete beginner with no experience of mould making. Any worries I had disappeared as Ed explained everything I needed to know really clearly. I had a really fun and informative two days with Ed - he is brilliant company and 30 years experience means he knows his stuff! I can’t recommend Ed highly enough."

3 May 17'

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

"I worked with Ed on a research project as part of my doctorate studies with Manchester School of Art, York Art Gallery and the British Ceramics Biennial. I have a number of years experience in ceramic design for production but Ed's industry know-how and refined model/mould making skills were exactly what I needed to visualise and test some of the ideas. When I hit technical sticking points and needed a soundboard he was passionate, enthusiastic and jumped straight in. I'll be working with him in the future for sure."

20 Mar 17'

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

"I work at Blackburn College Lancashire as 3D/Fine Art Technician. I came to Ed's to rekindle my mould making skills supported by the staff development department. I cant recommend Ed enough. Having been connected to the ceramics industry in Stoke for 30 years Ed knows numerous tricks of the trade which he's only too willing to pass on. I took along two models I'd been working on. A sculptural piece in the form of a cat's head and a more functional piece in the form of a lidded box. Ed, masterfully, used these to produce two perfect moulds. I documented each step with my smartphone which will be really useful for college. Ed's a great teacher and easy going company to boot."

24 Jan 17'

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

"Went to Ed's with some designs on paper and came back two days later with two beautiful moulds. The various processes were explained simply and very clearly the first morning, then we set about making the two moulds and developed the designs in the making process. I came with an understanding of the principles of the process but it was the detail that made it so valuable for me.....just how thick should that plaster be?....how do you get that glassy finish on the pattern? It was also fun, Eds interesting and really good company."

22 Oct 16'

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

"Less than a year later and I’m back again from Australia for another 3 days of high quality design and mould making along with great company. I love Ed’s new studio in the Old Spode factory. Ed’s ability to convert a concept into a plaster mould of the highest quality is sensational. His attention to detail and the quality of his work is fabulous, while at the same time sharing his knowledge and giving me skills that I can use in the future. All this and it is delightful to spend time in his company. Good coffee, great chats and high quality work. I’ll be back again soon! Thanks Ed"