Firestone Studios

Kirstie and Paul Hayler work from their home studios, overlooking Firestone Copse on the Isle of Wight.

Kirstie studied painting at Brighton University, and went on to enjoy a career as a photographer and illustrator. She briefly encountered the potter’s wheel many years ago, and moving to the island in 2017, knew that this was exactly what she wanted to do. The downstairs loo was quickly converted into the smallest pottery on the island (and possibly the world) and she has never been more content. The couple were delighted to find that there is a real demand and support for hand-made crafts, and so Paul built a larger garden studio for her. During 2020 she has enjoyed creating appliqué and ceramic wall hangings.

The couple were delighted to find that there is a real demand and support for hand-made crafts, and so Paul built a larger garden studio for her.

Paul mixes all of the glazes from scratch, using raw ingredients and stains, making them a true artistic collaboration. Paul has always enjoyed making, historically using wood. He discovered glass four years ago, and now often combines the two. He also finds great pleasure working with leather.

They have two boys, who are forging their own creating paths – Kit is fiercely passionate about his sewing machine, needle felting and his bagpipes, where as Freddie loves wood carving and knitting.

The couple’s mission is to collaborative design and create aesthetically pleasing and useful products.

As active members of Craft Potters Association, British Society of Master Glass Painters, Contemporary Glass Society and the Heritage Craft Association; the duo aim to promote and engage with their own crafts and those of other crafts people.