James Stanley Watson

Hi, I’m James - the potter behind James & the Kiln.

I discovered pottery around 5 years ago after taking a class, and I completely fell in love with clay. What started as curiosity quickly became a huge part of my life - and eventually my full-time job.

Before ceramics, I worked in a variety of creative roles including cake decorating, coffee making and even acting on stage. I think all of those experiences shaped the way I approach pottery today: playful, expressive, a little theatrical, and always focused on creating something memorable.

You might also recognise me from The Great Pottery Throw Down, just a regular guy from Belfast who went on to win the series. Since then, part of my focus has been on building a welcoming studio space near Belfast where people can slow down, get creative, and experience the joy of making something with their hands.

Whether you’re visiting for a class, a private event, or just browsing my work, I hope the studio feels relaxed, creative and welcoming - somewhere you can have fun, get muddy, and maybe surprise yourself with what you can make.