Richard Pullen: The Potter from Bathurst -

If you’re drawn to the raw and elemental beauty of smoke‑fired ceramics, you’ll love the story of Richard Pullen—affectionately known as “The Potter” of Bathurst in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa.

From Clay Discovery to Ceramic Mastery

Richard Pullen first fell in love with clay at age 15 during a sculpture class—his defining “eureka” moment. He later studied Art & Design at Port Elizabeth Technicon (now Nelson Mandela University), graduating and returning to his hometown of Bathurst to establish his own studio nearly 27 years ago Source

Nestled in the historic village of Bathurst, his studio benefits from nearby kaolin reserves—a key raw material—which he transforms into unique clay bodies. In keeping with his hands‑on practice, Richard crafts his own clays and glazes, bringing intimate control to every vessel he makes Daily Dispatch

The Smoke‑Fired Aesthetic

Known for his signature smoke‑firing technique, Richard’s ceramics undergo a poetic journey: burnished when leather‑hard, bisqued to around 900 °C, then encased in a bed of sawdust, seaweed, wood, newspaper—and occasionally salt or copper. When the fire smoulders, unpredictable patterns of smoke, flame and vapour penetrate the porous clay. Once cooled, each piece is rinsed, waxed, and revealed in an utterly singular finish. Each vessel is a surprise, with swirling tones that can’t be duplicated.

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Recognition & Awards

Richard’s mastery has garnered accolades over the years:

First Merit Award at the Ceramics South Africa Eastern Cape Regional Exhibition (as recently as early 2025)
Additional awards in 1997, 2015, 2016, and 2019—a testament to his long-standing craftsmanship and evolving style.

Why He Matters

What sets Richard apart is the harmony between tradition and experimentation:

A village studio deeply connected to local materials and community.
A practice that spans decades, evolving yet rooted in tactile processes.
Ceramics that are both utilitarian and deeply expressive, blending form and visceral surface.

Richard’s Reflection of Bathurst when he opened more than 25 years ago

Posted on Facebook 2nd December 2018.
20 years ago today I also opened my Studio in Bathurst

One of the handy things that comes with being the only owner run business still in operation from back then is having perspective on this little village….

… Bathurst was a little different then

What today is Tori’ Stowe’s beautiful Gallery was The Corner Shop, the villages only convenience shop/trading store

The Famous Pig & Whistle was the only eating establishment….which we later found out was running a brothel on the side!!

The only other craft/art venue was the true pioneer Pat Burnett’s Faerie Garden with her Faerie house, wishing well, shop and organic vegetable garden

The Curiosity Shoppe (the only curio shop) was run by the friendly & supportive Don & Yvonne and was where the Pizza Shop is today.

My studio was where the Curiosity Shop is today. I first walked into it when it was a storage room loaded with old furniture awaiting restoration.

Gavin & Sue Purdon ran the long gone Bathurst Arms. Gavin kindly dismantled a garden shed & donated the corrugated iron to me to build an outside kiln shelter

Bathurst barely changes but it is so different today to what it was then. Quite proud of this little Village and the way it is growing and more businesses are opening and being supported.

Absolutely amazing for a tiny Eastern Cape Dorpie !!

Well Done Bathurst Source

Richard Pullen: The Potter from Bathurst

In the quiet village of Bathurst, ceramic artist Richard Pullen channels a lifetime of clay, fire and curiosity into stunning smoke‑fired vessels. Since discovering clay at 15, he has committed nearly three decades to mastering his craft. Every piece is made from studio‑prepared clay, glazes of his own creation, and fired through a smouldering, unpredictable smoke process that leaves each vessel beautifully unique.

His artistry hasn’t gone unnoticed: from early recognition in 1997 to recent awards—including the celebrated First Merit at the 2025 Ceramics SA regional show—Richard’s journey affirms the power of dedication and connection to place. His works feel ancient and modern at once, individual poems in clay and smoke that speak of Earth and process.

Whether displayed in a gallery or brought home, each piece from Richard Pullen’s studio carries the imprint of his vision—and the smoky soul of the Eastern Cape.

For more information on Richard follow the links below:

www.richardpullen.co.za

https://www.youtube.com/@richardpullens_studio

https://www.instagram.com/potter_of_bathurst/

https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthArtist