Ed Bentley, Ceramic Artist, Designer and Tutor reviews

25 Mar 16'

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

"Just spent 2 days on Ed's mould making course, i made a complicated shape in clay which Ed showed me how to make a mould of for slip casting. I had previously done a ceramics degree, which did cover mould making but unfortunately i wasn't really paying much attention to it, Ed covered so much information that what i had done all came back, only now, i had a totally one to one tuition and every question was answered and expertly shown how to do the process. I was expecting just to get my mould made but was taught so much more, the difference in plasters, which tools to use and how everyday objects can be used, how what i have in my own pottery studio can be used to turn the plaster etc etc. You don't just get the tuition, you meet a genuinely nice generous guy, who has the skill and confidence to share what he knows"

15 Mar 16'

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

"I travelled through the beautiful, snowy Staffordshire countryside to spend a fun, informative and rewarding two days mould making with Ed. I had previously learnt the principals of mould making and slip casting at university but as that was over ten years ago, I felt I needed to brush up on the details of my knowledge. Ed is extremely patient with no question, idea or problem too big or too small for him to devise a workable solution, filling in all the technical details I'd forgotten as we worked. Ed boosted my confidence and inspiration to take the skills I learnt on to improving and developing my practice. Set in stunning countryside Ed's knowledge, skill and attention to detail mixed with a fun, calming environment was the perfect, inspiring weekend, a creative retreat."

5 Jan 16'

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

"I spent two days with Ed who was more than happy to tailor-make the time to meet my needs, more around the design/construction of press moulds than moulds for slip casting in this case. I left with a much clearer understanding of the techniques of mould making and two useful moulds into the bargain. Ed is a great listener and communicator and as a result a very good teacher. I think he has found his niche, which is good for the rest of us! He is also a very skilled designer and maker, useful on an ongoing basis for more complex projects. Even in wild December, the setting of the craft barn is really beautiful and I would recommend the trip for anyone looking to get away from if all to focus on improving their skills with the help of an expert teacher. Thank you Ed!"

22 Nov 15'

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

"Over the two day 'mould making for slip casting ' course I did with Ed I learnt an incredible amount. I left the craft barn buzzing with 2 beautiful moulds in tow. I am eager to put all that I have been taught into practice right away. Ed is a genius! Thoroughly recommend his courses. Thank you Ed :)"

13 Nov 15'

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

"I spent 3 days with Ed and it was a fabulous experience. I came from Australia to spend some time with Ed and he made me feel relaxed and confident. He was able to take my design for a vase and show me how to convert my original idea into a design that was both visually pleasing and practical. He was very welcoming and explained each step of the way through the project with humour and generosity and he was patient and a joy to be with. I found it was very easy being in his company, and he can make great coffee! I now feel that I have gained great insight into what is possible with mould making and Ed has given me confidence, and a framework with which to tackle projects on my own. Thank you Ed"

4 Nov 15'

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

"I booked myself in for a 3 day course with Ed at Manifold Craft Barn, and I can honestly say that I left there with a lot more knowledge and confidence when it came to mould making! Ed's passion and commitment to his craft is so inspiring and he really took the time to walk me through every process that he went through. He was extremely patient, and no question was too silly, such an approachable lovely guy! I also have to mention how fun the whole experience was! good humour, good conversation, and he can make a hell of a coffee. I came away from the course with a mould of a mug and handle that I had designed and that Ed helped me to develop, I was so pleased with the outcome. I really feel that I could go back to uni and delve right into my last year with the confidence that I gained from the course. I hope to create some really nice work with my new skills! I would definitely recommend him to anybody that is considering going into this field, Thank you Ed! :)"

2 Jul 15'

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

"My two days with Ed were a huge learning curve, and just what I needed to improve my mould making skills. He's a great teacher, patient, enthusiasic and genuinely interested in your plans and ideas. Over the two days we modelled a cup on the plaster lathe and carved a handle and I left his lovely workshop inspired and full of new ideas. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to know more about the art of mould making."

23 May 15'

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

"Ed Bentley travelled to bonnie Scotland recently to show me how to make moulds of my hand-thrown pieces of pottery. What an extraordinary man. His understanding, gentle nature and quick wit made the experience an absolute joy. He truly has the patience of a saint. I would have been overjoyed if Ed had shown me how to make one mould. However, he showed me how to make two: A three-piece mould and a one part drop-out mould. His attention to detail is extraordinary as he produces moulds which look like works of art in themselves. He is super talented, while so down to earth. I could not recommend Ed Bentley highly enough. Thank you so much Ed. Haste ye back! Pauline Gallagher"

9 May 15'

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

"I have recently (29th April-1st May 2015) spent three really great days in Ed's studio. My planned project was to produce a new working mould of a pot design I had made 25 years ago at Art College. (The existing mould - having not been used for all those years - had begun to crumble away at the edges, and was no longer able to produce acceptable casts). Ed was enthusiastic about the challenges that this shape of pot presented, and was a very good, patient instructor and demonstrator of each stage of this fascinating process. His easy going, supportive nature gave the studio time a very encouraging atmosphere, and certainly strengthened my confidence. We finished the three-day course not only with a magnificent, professional, and beautifully finished mould, but also with a new 'model' for me to make further moulds from - and my notebook full of the process details. I can highly recommend Ed and this course. It's a really marvellous opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the mould making process, resulting in a beautiful, workable solution to any design idea."

16 Feb 15'

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

"Ed came to the workshop at Workbridge in Northampton where we produce slip cast terracotta pots, garden and domestic. He showed me how to be able to make new moulds from our existing worn out moulds and to make a mould for a new shape. He spent three days with me and we produced cases for three replacement moulds and one new mould. He was very easy company and managed to stay focussed despite the interruptions in the workshop! I learned loads, lots of tips and good techniques. I am sure I will be visiting his Barn soon, thanks Ed."

30 Jan 15'

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

"Ed was my tutor on a 2 day course at Potsclay last summer & I remember thinking 'what am I doing here as such a novice'? How wrong was I. I came back with a great mould from a complex plastic Italan bowl which I love reproducing from, but also with happy memories of the great knowledge, fun and confidence Ed gave us all. I definitely plan to go again & tackle even bigger projects under his expert eye! A real privilege to be taught by him."

26 Oct 14'

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

"Several years ago I had the privilege of being tutored by Ed Bently at the Glasgow School of Art - Ceramic Design Degree course. Ed introduced us then to the world of designing plaster models as a base for making of plaster moulds and (re)production of ceramic objects. In april of this year it was the time to make my first commercial plaster model. Easy choice: Ed. With three other GSA graduates I enjoyed Ed's taylored 3-day Plaster Mouldmaking for Slip Cast Ceramics at Moniforld's Craft Barn. We had three really great days of super professional model making, mould making, design talk, tutoring, idea swapping, eating, drinking and shere fun. And of course I am now producing like a mad woman! :-) With love from Amsterdam, Holland"

14 Oct 14'

Elaine Henderson at Scapa Studios, Orkney reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"First met Ed when he tutored us on the BA Ceramic Design course at Glasgow School of Art in 2008 when he introduced us to the joys of precision drawing, technical design and plaster moulds. Went down to the Craft Barn with three other GSA graduates earlier this year for a refresh in plaster designing and moulding. Can't imagine a more knowledgeable or helpful tutor, will bend over backwards to adapt to whatever you need to know, has the patience of a saint, ( we were a very demanding bunch!) and has a good humoured, relaxed but focused style. Combined with the lovely residential facilities, you won't find a better course in this field."

12 Oct 14'

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

"I had the most brilliant time learning to make moulds from the clay wall plaques I had made. I was shown how to prepare the figures , before the process , and with Ed's expertise and support I made my moulds. I have never had the opportunity before to be able to learn to make moulds , and to have one to one tuition, with Ed made it possible. Ed is patience itself, and along with his fun and enthusiastic attitude, nothing seems impossible. If anyone is thinking about having a go at mould making , either on their own or with a few friends, have some fun in lovely surroundings I as a beginner, can recommend it . I cant wait to try my moulds out Ed! Thank you."

9 Oct 14'

Eli Colin Payne reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I initially booked myself on a one day course at the craft barn, but we ended up needing two days for my first animal wall sculpture. Sid the stag has proven to be very popular with galleries and I love the finished product every time...this is all down to Ed at the craft barn. Ed was extremely patient and has helped me through every stage of the process. I walked away with plenty of pictures and have managed to make a mould of my new bulls head on my own...its nowhere near Ed's high standards, but a huge thank you for teaching and guiding me Ed...your experience has proven invaluable to my projects."

9 Oct 14'

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

"My experience at the craft barn was very beneficial as I wanted one of my products that I designed to become reality and this was made possible. I booked into a 2 day course where we created a mould for the basis of my prototype. Working with Ed was really good fun, his vast experience within the industry showed through the execution of the mould through the different stages. This was excellent for me as I was able to be a part of the whole process and learn as well as bringing my product to life. I fully recommend this course to anyone who is interested in making pottery themselves or like I did making a prototype at an affordable cost. I will be using Ed's services again for future product development."