Where our story begins
The story of Solana Beach Pottery begins with an inspiring visit to a small village in France by the name of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie . Situated northeast of Uzès between the forests and scrubland of the Uzège region, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie is a village that has escaped mass tourism but which still remains lively thanks to the presence of its craftspeople, potters of course, with over twenty small ceramic studios scattered throughout the tiny medieval village’s maze of twisted streets.
Strolling through quaint and “provincial” streets of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie the main attraction lies with the potters and ceramic craftspeople who live and work there. The artists all display a friendly rivalry with each other in the creativity and originality of their work. Visiting each pottery studio became a fascinating and truly unique learning experience.
As the name of the village indicates, archaeological digs can attest that pottery-related activities have been intimately linked to the town's history dating back to the Neolithic period. The vestiges of a potter's kiln dating from the 12th or 13th century shows that the pottery industry there is well over 700 years old. The village experienced its heyday in the Middle Ages when the Pope in nearby Avignon ordered floor and wall tiles and other objects from the potters of Saint Quentin.
The inspiration gleaned from visiting this amazing French village took root and ultimately led to our own ceramic studio. Located in Solana Beach, California we have taken what we learned in France and adapted it to reflect our own unique Ocean and Beach oriented style. All members of our immediate family have since taken up a variety of roles in this home based business.
Spring 2020 Update: With the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown in full effect, we decided the best thing we could do while restricted to home life, was to focus on increasing our product offerings and creating an On-Line presence. Hence this website come into existence along with our Instagram account!
We all thoroughly enjoy creating objects that start with clay, one of the earth’s most basic elements and turning them into collectable pieces of highly functional and artist beauty. Firing the clay shape to very high temperatures in a kiln, and then adding the elements of oxidation and glazes produce magical results that truly amaze us every time we open up the kiln and ultimately drive our passion.
Please enjoy the outcome of our passion!
The Crew at Solana Beach Pottery
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To find out more about Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie visit Saint Quentin.