About
3Pottery made at Blackhills, near Elgin, in the North of Scotland, fired in a 64 cubic foot wood-fired kiln. The emphasis is on simple, functional, country pottery for everyday use.
Pots in exposed parts of the kiln show the effects of wood ash landing on unglazed surfaces (known as flashing); for this reason, many of them are left unglazed or part-glazed.
The glazes used on the pots are usually simple mixtures of locally dug clay, vegetable ash and feldspar. Although unsophisticated, these glazes can be very beautiful, sometimes producing unexpected bonuses such as the blue “chun” glazes seen on some of the pots. Current favourites amongst the glazes are those derived from birch and rhododendron ashes and these have been much used on the domestic ware in the showroom.
The showroom usually has a good selection of pots for sale and is open by appointment. It is about two hundred yards from the pottery. Visitors are welcome but should telephone first to let us know that they are coming.
Telephone numbers:
Workshop 01343 842246
mobile 07780680748
home 01343 842223
John Christie, Blackhills House, By Elgin, Moray. IV30 8QU
e-mail: john@blackhillspottery.co.uk
- map of Moray showing Blackhills
Blackhills Pottery 
Hallo John, I just watched your video on working in your studio – Bolton wheel! – and the wonderful woodfiring… So happy to see that! Your work corresponding sensibly with that beautiful nature around your home.
It’s long time ago, when I had the pleasure to work with you in Pantasaph – which had positively changed my professional life. Lots of greetings to you, your family and to Blackhills! All the best XXRegina
Dear Regina good to hear from you! I had forgotten about the WordPress site! Like so many other things. We are still at b Black’hills though in a new house. Still potting every day. Still enthralled by the process. Come and see us!
hallo dear John – wow, how very nice to read your quick response! Yes, so good to hear (and see:-) you are still working! Indeed, same with me: still enthralled by the process of making ceramics! Almost every day is a day in my studio, too. If you look at my website – you will see, I am / never was a very good potter for functional ware, though of course still love throwing.
We are very privileged having such a wonderful profession.
When you say, “come and see us” – this sounds soooo friendly! But, hm, as ever, I am living – happily – from hand to mouth… I.e. no bank-book, no inheritance, not even a Porsche 😉 Which is fine. But doesn’t run to much, not to any travelling, never did. Still, great to remember these wonderful premises of yours, far away from Berlin. Breathtaking nature, the most beautiful trees I ever have seen, the beauty of the scenery up there.
John, have a very good autumn, Regina