the TEAM
Mirka Golden-Hann
Head of Messums Studios
Mirka Golden-Hann is a Czech-born ceramic artist and tutor with over 25 years’ experience in the field. She is a master of her profession with a reputation as a passionate and intuitive thrower. Her main specialism is in glaze technology and colour in glazes.
After graduating from The University of Westminster, Harrow Ceramics in 1999, she set up her first workshop making salt glaze work for ten years. Funded by the AHRC she holds a first class MA Ceramics from Bath Spa University. In 2009 she became Resident Artist at Salisbury Arts Centre where she ran a busy community pottery until December 2022, and since 2017 also curated the exhibitions programme there. In 2021 Mirka was invited to assist with the setting up of Messums Creative studio and became the head of the studio in January 2022.
She is a published researcher and collaborative practitioner. Her work is held in public and private collections in the UK and abroad.
Sandra Combes
Studio Coordinator / Pottery Instructor
Sandra Combes has been a member of Messums Studios since the start, first as an avid student, later on as a volunteer, and from Spring 2025 she took on the responsibilities of the studio coordinator and ceramics instructor/ tutor. Sandra lives locally and holds an Open BSc (hons) from the Open University with a bias towards Design. She brings to her work experience from her varied past careers in science and engineering and people facing work. Her previous creative interest in textiles being a spinner, weaver and felter reflect in her clay work now.
Sandra trained in ceramics with Andy Glass and Mirka Golden-Hann, as well as learning from many of the Messums visiting artist tutors. Sandra also learned drawing and painting from Edward Scott and Laura Rich.
Sandra has a wealth of creative knowledge besides ceramics which she enjoys passing on to Messums students, helping them to build their own creative confidence.
Lynne Heaton
Ceramics Tutor
Lynne Heaton is an artist and sculptor with a deep fascination for translating fables and fairy tales into works of art. Lynne works in mediums such as felt, painting, collage but most notably in clay. She is a qualified art therapist who is registered with the Health Professions Council, the British Association of Art Therapists and works as a practitioner with the Family Counselling Trust Wiltshire Charity. Lynne is an experienced clay and art workshop leader who has worked with many community groups of all ages for over twenty years.
Charlotte Moreton FRSA
Sculpture Tutor
Charlotte Moreton is a Wiltshire based artist who trained at the Frink School of Figurative Sculpture (1999-2001). Her practice derives from nature and her background in nature conservation work, and her sculpture is greatly influenced by trees and nature. Described by Jonathan Dimbleby as “a very talented sculptor”, Charlotte is an experienced, insightful and sensitive tutor.
Laura Rich
Drawing Tutor
With drawing at the heart of her practice, Laura Rich is a Wiltshire-based artist and experienced tutor. Close observation of the subject informs her drawing process, whether it is the structure and flow of the human figure, the complexity of a bird’s nest, or the texture and light of a landscape.
Laura trained in Illustration with Graphic Design at Bath Spa University, graduating in 2001. After an early career in architectural illustration, she took up painting, working on large commercial commissions for international clients including The Maybourne Group, P&O, and Cunard. Laura is passionate about sharing her skills with others and has been teaching drawing and painting for more than 10 years.
Edward Scott
Studio Volunteer
Edward Scott is a Salisbury-based young artist. After graduating from Falmouth University with a first class degree in Fine Art, Edward worked at Salisbury Arts Centre where he trained under Mirka Golden-Hann and developed a keen interest in ceramic practice. Edward is excited to share his knowledge and experience as a painter-printmaker whilst continuing to explore and develop a painterly approach to ceramic practice.
Katherine Roper
Studio Volunteer
Annie Kininmonth
Studio Volunteer
TEXT IN DEVELOPMNENT
Charlie Grieg
Studio Volunteer
Charlie is a book editor by trade but is also a keen ceramist in her spare time, throwing and making for many years at a pottery in Caledonian Road, London.
She initially joined Charlotte Moreton’s weekly sculpture classes, and is now a volunteer at Messum’s Studio, building her knowledge of glaze technology.
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Messums Studios
- Unit 1 Homeland Security, Chilmark, SP3 5DU
Opening Hours
- By appointment (Tuesday - Saturday)
- Sunday and Monday - Closed
REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS
We appreciate that sometimes things can change. Please see our Refunds & Cancellations Policy for more information.
