A MAN who creates his ceramics in Hereford has made it onto Channel 4's Great Pottery Throw Down.

Miles Johnson, 50, has worked his pottery magic as a member at CUP Ceramics – a studio based in Foley trading estate in Hereford – since 2019.

"I love the exchange of ideas and how every member does their own thing and there is a wonderful support you feel from the group. It is as close as I've ever been to the Throw Down studio atmosphere," he said.

Hereford Times: In episode one the potters were asked to throw a children’s crockery set and ceramic milk bottles. Picture: Channel 4In episode one the potters were asked to throw a children’s crockery set and ceramic milk bottles. Picture: Channel 4

The Channel 4 series aired on Sunday (January 2) and saw Mr Johnson work his magic on the pottery wheel as Ellie Taylor hosted the brand-new series.

Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller set the potters two challenges, to throw a children's crockery set and ceramic milk bottles, as the battle of clay kicks off at the wheel.

Hereford Times: Mr Johnson found the whole experience surreal. Picture: Channel 4Mr Johnson found the whole experience surreal. Picture: Channel 4

 

Filming on the first day felt somewhat strange to Mr Johnson.

"It was so surreal, from the moment I found out I had been selected to be on the show, I didn't quite believe it," he said.

"When the sliding doors went back, and the judges came out to talk to us I couldn't stop laughing.

"I kept thinking to myself it was like being in a dream. In fact, that night I dreamt that I was on the show and Keith cried. But all that had actually happened. Still can't believe it."

Hereford Times: Miles Johnson with the other Throw Down potters Picture: Channel 4Miles Johnson with the other Throw Down potters Picture: Channel 4

 

In this week's episode Mr Johnson and the ten other remaining potters will hand build a pendulum wall clock and face a surprise blindfold challenge.

"It was completely liberating to be on The Great Pottery Throw Down. A chance to experiment and explore creatively alongside other potters. I was humbled by the whole experience and would do it all again tomorrow," said Mr Johnson.

Starting out in film costume and going on to work as a designer, eventually he found himself in California which is where he returned to pottery after learning it at school.

Now back in the UK, working as a sustainability consultant, Miles lives with his husband Frank in the Worcestershire countryside.

Mr Johnson thinks his pottery friends will be surprised to see him on television.

"I expect they'll think it's funny mostly."

You can watch the episode one on the Channel 4 website here.