Sarah Derbyshire joined the team in 2023, bringing with her a strong creative background in wire sculpture and, more recently, ceramics. Her journey with clay began five years ago with a beginner's course at LoveClay, sparking a passion that led to a full career change.

Specialising in both throwing and hand-building, Sarah is an inspiring and empathetic tutor. She draws on her own experience as a former student to create a warm, supportive learning environment. In addition to teaching, she runs Cinnamon Ceramics, her own business crafting charming, animal-inspired pieces sold online and at local markets.

Sarah teaches during our Saturday Throw a Pot sessions, Beginner Ceramic Courses, and various seasonal events.

Rae graduated from art university in 2020, specialising in sculpture and distinctive handmade ceramics.

She joined the LoveClay teaching team in 2023, having previously been a student here, where she showed exceptional talent and a natural ability for teaching, particularly in throwing techniques.

With a warm and encouraging teaching style, Rae is exceptionally patient, making her especially well-suited to supporting beginners of all abilities. She’s a fantastic and valued addition to our team.

Outside of teaching, Rae has built a loyal local following for her handcrafted ceramics. She regularly sells her work at artisan markets and boutiques across Staffordshire, all created in her Staffordshire studio.

Rae teaches during our Saturday Throw a Pot sessions, Beginner Ceramic Courses, and various seasonal events.

Alex studied Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University and later travelled to Japan, where he trained with Hiroki Numaguchi, a seventh-generation Jōmō ware potter. During his time there, he explored traditional techniques and investigated the aesthetic principles that have influenced British studio pottery.

A highly knowledgeable tutor, Alex specialises in advanced skills such as large-scale wheel throwing, Raku, and glaze formulation.

Known for his patient and relaxed teaching style, Alex creates an encouraging environment where students can learn at their own pace and build confidence in their abilities.

He teaches on Wednesday evenings, as well as delivering specialist courses and workshops.

Rita Floyd is a master flower maker of nearly 50 years and has been making ceramic flower since the early 1970’s!

Rita is a Flower making demonstrator and workshop leader at Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton Stoke on Trent and also had the honour of being a guest Judge on popular pottery show, The Great Pottery Throwdown

Rita previously worked on exhibitions at Victoria and Albert Museum London (V&A) and appeared at the 2017 Biennial at Icheon Ceramics village in South Korea and Gusthavsberg in Sweden in 2020.

When not teaching, Rita makes and sells unique ceramic flowers from her home studio in Stoke-on-Trent.

At LoveClay, Rita teaches specialist seasonal courses in the art of flower making.