Keith Brymer Jones

'Pottery is more than mud and fire-it's memory, culture, and humanity held in the hands.' Pottery, often perceived as a humble and utilitarian craft, has played a monumental role in shaping and reflecting the political and cultural dynamics of civilizations across millennia. From the earliest clay vessels used for storing grains in ancient Mesopotamia to the intricately painted porcelain of Ming Dynasty China, pottery has embodied the spirit of its times, influenced trade, and even served as a tool for political propaganda. From the utilitarian clay vessels of ancient farmers to the avant-garde ceramics of modern artists, pottery has been both a mirror and a mould of human civilization. It has transcended its materiality to become a medium of storytelling, a symbol of power, and a bearer of cultural identity. As we look to the future, the story of pottery reminds us that even the most unassuming objects can wield immense influence, shaping the political and cultural landscapes of their times. The potter's wheel, it seems, has not just shaped clay but also the course of history itself.

The inspirational memoir from the star of OUR WELSH CHAPEL DREAM and THE GREAT POTTERY THROWDOWN Readers LOVE Boy In A China Shop: 'What a brilliant book. Keith is so charming and funny and my goodness what a hard worker. I loved it. Get it and read it - enjoy.' ?????'This book was enlightening and entertaining, full of laughs and heart. And of course with Keith, there's always going to be tears.' ????? 'Really inspiring and relatable. A great read.' ?????'During downtime on the pottery throwdown Keith made my hair curl with some of his tales - he's a great raconteur and recounts his story in this book as he does in real life - with joy, charm & mischief.' - Sara CoxBallet dancer. Front man in an almost famous band. Judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down. How did all that happen?'By accident mostly. But I always say we make our own luck. What if an art teacher hadn't given me a lump of clay? What if my band had properly taken off? What if I hadn't taken a photograph of a bowl to the buyer at Heals in London? What if she'd hated it? Or hadn't seen it... Every chapter of my book is based around an object (usually a pot) that's been significant in my life. It's just a trigger to let me go off in a lot of different directions and tell a few stories. A lot of stories. Dyslexia. The art teacher who changed my life. My Mother. My Father. A life-changing job interview with a man who lay under his car throughout. *That* video. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, a quick search of 'Keith Brymer Jones Adele' should do it.)'The end product? A warming, clever memoir of Keith's pottery life with some very loud music, some pretty good dancing, and a lot of throwing, fettling and firing. Oh ... and a good dose of anxiety.