Life at Cheshire Clay Studios has brought us many wonderful moments over the years, but some deserve a special place in the memory bank. June 14th 2026 was undoubtedly one of them, as we welcomed Keith Brymer Jones and his partner, Marj Hogarth, to our studios for the launch of Milton Bridge Ceramics’ new Studioline glaze collection.
For anyone involved in pottery, Keith needs little introduction. Best known as the much-loved “Crying Judge” on The Great Pottery Throw Down, he has become one of the most recognisable champions of British ceramics. Through his warmth, enthusiasm and genuine love of pottery, Keith has helped bring clay into the homes and hearts of thousands of people, inspiring many to pick up a lump of clay for the very first time.
It was therefore no surprise to see him lend his wholehearted support to the latest range of specialist brush-on glazes from Milton Bridge Ceramics. The new collection, By the Sea, features 28 beautiful glazes inspired by the colours and textures of Britain’s coastline.
We’re incredibly proud to have played a small part in the journey that brought this range to life. Over the past couple of years, Cheshire Clay Studios has worked closely with the Studioline team, helping to test glazes, hosting events and, perhaps most memorably, glazing more than 500 tiny test pots from which the final 28 colours were selected.
Along the way we’ve made new pottery friends, learned a great deal about the process of developing and refining ceramic products, and gained a fascinating insight into what it takes to transform an idea on a drawing board into something that eventually finds its way onto the shelves of pottery suppliers around the country.
All of that hard work culminated in the official launch of the By the Sea range here at Cheshire Clay Studios.
David Bainbridge, the owner and driving force behind Studioline, brought together around 70 potters, distributors and manufacturers from across the ceramics industry to celebrate the launch. The atmosphere throughout the day was one of excitement, creativity and genuine enthusiasm for the future of British ceramics.
With Keith Brymer Jones lending his name to the new collection, it was particularly special that he took time out of his busy schedule to spend several hours chatting, demonstrating, posing for photographs and sharing his passion for pottery with everyone who attended.
Of course, events like this don’t happen by accident.
Our studio team were, as always, absolutely wonderful. From welcoming guests and directing traffic, to keeping everyone fed, watered and looked after throughout the day, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their professionalism, attention to detail and friendly approach helped create the warm atmosphere that so many guests commented upon. It is that combination of efficiency and genuine hospitality that turns a good event into a great one.
And what about Keith and Marj?
People often say you should never meet your heroes, but in this case they couldn’t have been more wrong. Keith and Marj were exactly as they appear on television: warm, generous, funny and genuinely interested in the people they met. Keith has used his profile to shine a spotlight on ceramics in the most positive way possible, and there can be little doubt that everyone involved in pottery in the UK has benefitted from his enthusiasm and advocacy.
For Liz and I, the day carried an extra layer of significance.
When we first began our pottery journey, we could never have imagined that one day we would be hosting an industry launch attended by some of the most influential names in ceramics, let alone welcoming Keith Brymer Jones through our doors. Like many potters, we’ve watched his career, admired his passion for the craft and celebrated everything he has done to raise the profile of ceramics.
Having him visit Cheshire Clay Studios has been on our bucket list for a very long time.
So while the launch of By the Sea was undoubtedly an important milestone for Studioline, it also felt like a milestone for us. It was a moment that reminded us how far Cheshire Clay Studios has come, how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive pottery community, and how exciting the future continues to be.
We’re still floating around on cloud nine and suspect we will be for quite some time yet.
Some moments are worth savouring.
This was definitely one of them.
