Ed Bentley, Ceramic Artist, Designer and Tutor

Contact name: Ed Bentley

4
Total bookings

Rating

(72)

almost 12 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

For over thirty five years Ed Bentley has worked within the global ceramic tableware and giftware industries as a shape designer and product developer. He offers expert tuition in plaster modelling and mould making for slip cast ceramics. Ed specialises in taking a concept from a sketch through to a final piece, using his knowledge to develop designs that are both original and easy to produce. He works from his own studio or on-site anywhere worldwide. His clients include The Royal Collection, H.E Smith Tiles Ltd, Chris Dyson Architects, Suzie Hoodless London, The Portland House Project, BCB Ceramics biannual, Lenox China USA, Queensberry Hunt and Steelite International. He has also worked closely with artists/designers Paul Scott, Kit Anderson, Layla Khoo, Ian McIntyre, Tony Laverick, Sasha Wardell and Sue Pryke.

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

PRESTATYN

Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

1 day

Next date: 16th Jun 2025

(72)

£350.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

6 May 25'

Frances Ross reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent 3 days with Ed in his studio learning how to make a plaster model and mould. To make the model, we used the lathe, the whirler and sledging - including making the template to sledge on and the sledging tool. All of this was new to me and Ed explained and demonstrated everything in detail. I came away with a fantastic model and mould, and head full of knowledge and ideas. Ed is a patient, generous and thorough teacher and I highly recommend him - if you want to learn any aspect of working with moulds, he's the best! "

26 Mar 25'

Ruth Martin reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"If you want to learn any skills in plaster, Ed is the guy to go to! I worked with Ed for 4 days one to one to learn plaster sledging which was super fun. I came away with a really well rounded knowledge of the techniques, some prefect plaster models and a kit to keep practicing the skills in my own studio. I also picked up lots of tips and tricks for working in plaster generally just through working in the studio with Ed! Basically can't recommend him more, and you'll get some great conversations and coffees along the way! Thanks again Ed! "

22 Mar 25'

Tārālocanā reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent a lovely creative day with Ed in his home studio. He introduced me to plaster mould making and we created a two part mould. The object I want to cast was unusual and Ed was able to explain decision making and the challenges of casting irregular organic forms. It was a beautiful day and we were able to sit outside for lunch. Ed is very skilled and generous with his expertise and knowledge."

9 Oct 24'

Vera reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I feel very fortunate to have attended a 5-day workshop on plaster for models and moulds in my home country (BE), led by the brilliant Ed Bentley. The main focus was on sledging, a technique that, to my knowledge, is not commonly taught here—except perhaps in construction work. We were a very demanding group, each with our own project, but Ed navigated this masterfully, seamlessly switching between students. Every step was explained clearly, with a touch of British humour. As non-native English speakers, we found Ed perfectly understandable (though communicating the other way around may have been more of a challenge!). We all managed to create several models and moulds by the end. Some of us also had the chance to try out the lathe and the whirler, though sledging remained the central topic. It's worth noting that Ed was teaching outside of his own studio, without his usual materials or even the plaster he was used to. Yet, as participants, we hardly noticed this. Throughout the workshop, Ed remained good-humoured, pleasant, and fun. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, both in terms of technical learning and the human connections we made. I will definitely sign up again if Ed crosses the channel once more!"