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Tucked away in the picturesque village of Little Haven a local artist has established a thriving pottery workshop, stocking handmade products from all over the county and further afield.

Owner of the workshop and creator of all the pottery produced is Philippa Lewis, who has been in her current location for 18 years. The souvenir shop and workshop are just at the bottom of the hill leading into Little Haven and it is a striking blue colour so there is no excuse for missing it.

"I have been working with pottery and ceramics since a holiday job I had at aged 18 in Walwyn's Castle Pottery, where I would have lessons after work with the potter there.

Then I studied ceramics at university - it has really been my life's work. I would go as far to say it is my passion" explained Philippa.

Little Haven nestles in a valley around a quiet cove in the Southern corner of St Brides Bay and is undoubtedly one of the most attractive seaside villages in Pembrokeshire. It is extremely popular with tourist and local visitors who enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the fabulous restaurants. Another popular haunt is the Castle pub overlooking the beach and is the perfect location to relax on a sunny afternoon.

The pottery is situated 100 yards from the sandy beach and sells a range of Philippa's stoneware pottery, most decorated in blues, greens and whites, all of which are hand-thrown, decorated, glazed and fired on the premises.

"Stoneware is fired at extremely high temperatures which makes it stronger and more suitable for practical use. The products are biscuit-fired first at 1,000 degrees celsius and then re-fired at 1,260 degrees after being decorated and glazed," she continued.

All the products that Philippa produces are attractive as well as functional, they are also oven and microwave-proof. The range includes plant pots, mugs, jugs, butter dishes, oil burners, photo frames and even tequila shot pots.

Visitors can watch Philippa at her work from the shop, you may even pick up a few tips while you are there. "I don't know how I manage sometimes, it is a constant cycle of throwing, firing and decorating. But I hope it is as interesting to watch as it is to do. I always see myself making pottery, it has been part of my life for so long. I really am perfectly happy here" said Philippa.

The soft greens and blues used on many of the items reflect the wild Pembrokeshire sea, which is one of Philippa's greatest inspirations. "Living by the sea definitely comes out in the colours and the designs. It all filters through," she said.

The simple, but attractive, designs make the perfect gift to take home from holiday as well as being a practical addition to any home. The Little Haven Pottery adds that little bit extra creativity to a trip to what is essentially a mustvisit location.

The workshop is open Easter to December 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm. Closed Saturday pm. School holidays 10am - 5.30pm and 8pm - 10pm. December to Easter it is best to phone first on 01437 781015.

4:07pm Monday 3rd December 2007

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