A History of the Norfolk Potters’ Guild & Studio

George and Didi Eerenberg were amateur potters in Simcoe for many years. They originally learned the craft by taking classes at Pinecroft Pottery in Aylmer and in 1965 they began offering pottery classes in the basement of their home. The demand grew and they soon outgrew the basement. Mr. & Mrs. George Collins offered their studio in order to accommodate the large number of people wishing to take classes.

In 1971, the Simcoe Pottery Workshop was established and by the end of that year had a membership of 47 of whom approximately 25 were actively potting.

In September 1972, the club moved into the former Ranger Safety building on Pond Street in Simcoe, where it remained until October 2021. 

Since its establishment, the club has been an active part of the local community offering classes and taking part in local art events, such as Art in the Park and Port Dover Summer Festival. For 10 years, we also supported the Norfolk Arts Centre by providing bowls for the annual SoupArt fundraiser.

In addition to offering classes for beginning potters, the club has always insured its members were challenged and encouraged by providing more advanced classes, sculpting, workshops, glazing classes, etc., and by bringing in professional potters to share their talents and ideas in both evening and weekend workshops. The club has also organized trips to potters’ studios and other artistic shows and provided an opportunity for members to participate in Raku, pit firing, and smoke firing workshops.

The name of Simcoe Pottery Workshop was eventually changed to the Norfolk Potters’ Guild and Studio to better reflect the demographic of our membership. 

Although the majority of our members are amateur potters, we do have a number of guild members who make their living from the production and sale of pottery, both functional and decorative. Our professional members are an inspiration for those of us who enjoy pottery as a hobby, and they are very generous in sharing their experience and knowledge with us. 

Our club continues to be a vital part of the local community and provides a venue for fellowship, education and support for its members and all others who wish to learn the art of pottery in a cooperative nonprofit environment.

Our club is now located on first Avenue in Simcoe, Ontario. 

The Eerenberg’s influence on craft pottery in Norfolk County has left an indelible mark across our community.