Lockbridge Pottery

Welcome to Lockbridge Pottery, a family-owned business nestled in the heart of West Virginia. Our story began in 1980 when Jeff and Donna Diehl stumbled upon an abandoned two-room schoolhouse, which they instantly knew would become their home and studio. With the help of family, friends, and neighbors, they transformed the space into a functional studio and started creating and selling pots. Over the years, they have added a kiln room, gallery, and living quarters, creating a cozy and inspiring environment for their craft.

Jeff Diehl, the master potter, was born with clay in his blood. His great-grandfather was a potter in Germany, and his grandfather had a studio in New Jersey. Jeff's formal ceramic education began at Berea College in Kentucky, where he studied in the ceramic apprenticeship program for five years. He later apprenticed for a year in Germany, near where his great-grandfather lived. Jeff's passion for pottery is unwavering, and he has built a successful studio, a loving family, and a legacy as one of West Virginia's best-known potters.

Services Offered

Lockbridge Pottery offers a wide range of services, including:

• Custom Orders: We welcome custom orders and are happy to work with you to create the perfect piece for your home or as a gift.
• Acoustic Pottery: This new technique created by Jeff involves using zinc silicate crystals in the glazing process and playing music in the kiln room during the firing. The results are incredible crystal patterns that adhere in form to vibrations created by the music.
• Workshops and Classes: We offer workshops and classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced potters. Join us for a day, a weekend, or a week-long intensive and learn the art of pottery from a master craftsman.
• Wedding Registry: Let us help you create a unique and memorable wedding registry. Our beautiful pottery makes a thoughtful and lasting addition to any home.
• Gallery: Our gallery is open to the public and features a wide variety of Jeff's work, including vases, platters, bowls, and fountains.

Acoustic Pottery

Jeff's innovative technique of Acoustic Pottery has become extremely popular with his clients. By using zinc silicate crystals in the glazing process and playing music in the kiln room during the firing, he creates incredible crystal patterns that adhere in form to vibrations created by the music. From Mozart to The Beatles, Jeff has experimented with just about every style of music you can imagine. Customers have sent him specific requests for Acoustic Pottery made with a song of their choosing - from the first dance at a wedding, a song to commemorate the birth of a child, or a song that keeps the memory of a dear friend alive.

Studio and Workshop

Our spacious 2025-foot studio is equipped with six wheels, including a Leach wheel, a heavy-duty wheel for throwing big pots, a waist-height electric wheel for production ware, an onggi wheel, and two small electric wheels with Soldner pedals. We mix most of our clay, which is then stored in decommissioned freezers. Our reduction kiln room is attached to the back of the building, and our gallery is situated beyond the kiln room.

We welcome custom orders and are happy to work with you to create the perfect piece for your home or as a gift. Join us for a workshop or class and learn the art of pottery from a master craftsman.