Colin Anderson gave himself a potter’s wheel for his 90th birthday in January this year and less than 12 months later he is exhibiting his work online.

He said, “There are few things more absorbing than creating something with your own two hands and it has been a joy to have spent much of this turbulent year working away at the potter’s wheel.

“With clay, you start with a cold lump of damp earth, feel it become alive under your hand, coax it into a shape, and if you are really lucky you may end up with a thing of joy and beauty that will last longer than you do. It’s all about luck, and I’m by far the luckiest man I know.”

Some of his skilful creations are now being exhibited under the name ‘The Poundbury Potter’ at The Artisans’ Bazaar – which runs until 23 December – at Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester

Every piece is hand thrown, fired, and glazed in Colin’s studio in a converted garage at his home.

He adds. “I’m not very much interested in abstract or contemporary pottery – I like to create things which are beautiful and practical; kitchenware like mugs, jugs, vases – things that people can make use of.

“I only started selling pieces after we ran out of room to store them; my first customers back in June were a friend and her daughter, who are both interior designers.

“It was one of my customers, who happened to be helping organise The Artisans’ Bazaar event, who invited me to exhibit.”

While only lately discovering his talent for pottery, Colin has painted and sketched throughout his life, often chronicling his journeys around the globe in a travel sketchbook.

It was taking part in pottery courses at The Dorset Centre for Creative Arts back in September last year which inspired him to embark on this new adventure as he entered his ninth decade.

When lockdown restrictions are lifted in December, visitors will once again be able to explore in person hundreds of unique and beautiful creations across a range of artistic mediums and techniques, from glasswork to pottery, painting to textiles, wood carving to weaving, and leatherwork to jewellery making.

In the meantime, to book a virtual tour of the Artisans’ Bazaar contact gallery@sculpturebythelakes.co.uk with a suggested time and date or explore online at https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/shop/

The sculpture park is staying open as per the lockdown regulations. Visitor numbers have been further reduced for the lockdown period. The Café by the Lakes is open for takeaways only.