We are sad to announce the recent death of Deborah Baynes, a ceramicist and member of the Suffolk Craft Society since the mid-1980s. She was also a member of the East Anglian Potters Association and a Selected Member of the Craft Potters Association.
Deborah began making pots professionally in 1971. Her finely made, traditional pots were often salt glazed, later moving to soda glaze, where the unpredictable variations in colour and texture added to their appeal. She was also highly skilled in Raku. Her work was made to an exceptionally high standard, producing hard-wearing pieces that were comfortable and a delight to use.
As a young woman, Deborah worked at the CPA gallery in London and worked hard to advance within the organisation. She was also a much-loved and enthusiastic teacher. SCS members Caroline Fish and Sue Bruce remember her residential pottery courses at her home in Shotley, where students worked hard but also enjoyed delicious meals, a glass of wine and Deborah’s endless supply of stories and anecdotes. Her highly organised throwing and salt-glaze courses were always popular, reflecting her determination, resilience and expertise.
Deborah’s warmth and generosity extended well beyond her teaching. For many years she kept the local Anglian Potters clay store, welcoming potters to her farmhouse in Shotley with her equally friendly husband Eddie, usually accompanied by coffee and a long chat. Kate Reynolds recalls arriving, sometimes at an inconvenient moment, to collect six or more bags of clay, only to be cheerfully shown through the tonnes of clay stored in the yard while Deborah shared her stories in her characteristically lively good humour.
Outside ceramics, Deborah was a passionate sailing barge enthusiast and had sailed barges from the age of 18. She and her second husband Eddie shared a love of the barges and moved to Shotley so they could fully renovate their Thames Barge, Betula. Sue Bruce remembers sailing aboard with them during some of the barge matches at Maldon, when the barges would sail out together to a marker buoy.
Deborah brought enormous warmth, humour, energy and generosity to her work and her life. She had many dedicated collectors of her pottery and made countless friends throughout her long career as a potter and teacher. She is survived by her husband Eddie and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
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