Craft Ontario

The Pottery Supply House (PSH) in Oakville, Ontario was founded in 1958 by Jorgen Poschmann to meet the needs of potters and clayworkers for clay, glaze, raw materials, kilns and equipment.  Jorgen's partner, Graham Willis, joined the company in 1961 and the company was incorporated in 1964. PSH has been an important part of the Canadian ceramic and commercial pottery industry ever since.

Today, ownership has passed to a new generation, who remain committed to providing the best new products and services to potters and sculptors. The current generation of owners, Eric Poschmann, Gunnar Poschmann and Jeremy Willis, continue to work to fulfill the changing needs of modern potters. At the same time, PSH expertise is being applied to many new industrial and R&D applications.

PSH provides a complete range of supplies and equipment to potters from their primary location in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and from S&S Pottery Supplies in Kitchener, Ontario. They produce their own clay bodies and glazes, and carry a full line of tools, raw materials, books and equipment.

PSH also manufactures "Euclid Kilns" and "Euclid's Elements". They build top and front loading kilns for pottery, glass, enamelling and many other applications. They make elements for all kilns, including custom, and supply parts and service for all makes of kilns and equipment. Additionally, PSH manufactures kilns and furnaces for a wide variety of industrial uses, and are a respected source for a wide variety of related products. PSH has been successful in responding to a wide range of heat process requirements in industry, some far removed from traditional ceramics.

Product innovation and adaptability are central themes at PSH. While expansion to serve the needs of other industries has become a major instrument for steady growth, PSH is committed, first and foremost, to developing and seeking out improved products and services for clayworkers and glassworkers. As testament to the company’s dedication to clay and glass artists in Canada, PSH maintains an expanding collection of pottery, sculpture and glasswork which can be seen in the company showroom. The Pottery Supply House is also an active supporter of organizations and events that promote clay and glass, including Craft Ontario.

The Pottery Supply House Clay or Glass Supply Grant provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: Gladstone House, The Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, Gregor, McPherson, and Yung families.

Then and now: PSH operated out of  "The Granary" on the banks of  the Sixteen MileCreek in the heart of Oakville in the 1960's. Today, the PSH building and showroom is found at 1120 Speers Road, Oakville, ON.

Pattie Walker was born in Bogotá, Colombia in 1948. Pattie and her sister Roberta were raised by her American mother, Canadian father and beloved Colombian nanny Mimi Vazquez. The family moved to the United States and Pattie later moved to Canada in 1966 to attend Queen's University. After graduating Pattie worked in the criminal justice system, taught dance and travelled. Her professional life changed when she made her first stained glass piece. She found the creative process pure magic. That was the start of a more than 30-year career as a stained and appliqué glass artist.

Pattie pursued her technical training the traditional way. Beginning in 1980 Pattie embarked on a two-year apprenticeship with internationally renowned stained glass artist Stephen Belanger-Taylor. Working with Taylor on large liturgical commissions and restorations, she received in-depth classical training in architectural glass techniques. These include glass painting, acid etching, leaded work, dalle de verre, and glass appliqué. She then continued to expand on her foundation of traditional technique through the exploration of contemporary applications of her medium. These included appliqué, sandblasting, and neon.

Pattie expresses her vision through the use of color and light as elements for the transformation of space using both sculptural form and architectural environments. Pattie's work can be found in churches, homes and public buildings in, around and beyond Toronto. She expressed her vision through the use of color and light as elements for the transformation of space using both sculptural form and architectural environments.

Established by friends and family in memory of Pattie Walker (1948 – 2012), this award recognizes excellence in glass and is open to artists at all career levels. The award seeks to support those that work in architectural glass, reflecting Pattie’s commitment to the medium:

“Making art is about making contact. I strive to create art pieces and environments that will animate and energize space. And connect viewers to the radiant force of light.".

Images: Pattie Walker Portrait. Side Middle: In Her Sacred Space, 1992, leaded stained glass, 30 sq. ft., photo by Pattie Walker. Side bottom: Pattie Walker, Geo Strata, 2006, glass appliqué, acid etching, painting, carved wood,  25 sq. ft., photo by Joy von Tiedemann.

Situated in West Queen West, one of Toronto's most creative neighborhoods, the reimagined Gladstone House maintains it's emphasis on culture, art, and diversity, while ensuring the building's rich history and iconic architecture remain preserved. The celebrated boutique hotel, steeped in history, features restored exposed brick walls, curated local art and innovative lighting applications that transition throughout the day, bringing the building to life.

Gladstone House provides an opportunity for craft professionals to exhibit their work in the guest rooms.

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: JJStudio, Leisa Rich and the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op, The Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, Gregor, McPherson, and Yung families.

Gladstone House, exterior.

• Craft Ontario Volunteer Committee
• Bruce Cochrane Ceramic Talent Award
• Don McKinley Award for Excellence in Wood
• Farndale Award of Excellence
• Helen Copeland Memorial Award in Ceramics
• Helen Frances Gregor Award
• James H. McPherson Award in Woodworking
• Lacy West Supplies. Ltd. Jewellery Supply Grant

• Lily Yung Memorial Award
• Mary Diamond Butts Award in Embroidery and Needlecraft
• Mary Robertson Textile Award
• One of a Kind Show Craft Community Award
• Pattie Walker Memorial Award in Architectural Glass
• The Pottery Supply House Clay or Glass Supply Grant
• Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd. Clay Supply Grant

Honouring the memory of Toronto weaver Mary Robertson, this scholarship was established by her family to recognize excellence in the medium of textiles through assisting a person intending to pursue further education in textiles. This includes the study of textile printing, surface embellishments, weaving, basketry, and embroidery.

Images: Top Detail: Helen Frances Gregor, Homage to Goethe, Linen, 4' x 10', 1981.