Many thanks to the following clients for their comments regarding our product and service.

The Flax Flower Community Project was organised by the Friends of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Mount Ida Pottery in 2018. The 60 participants each engaged in two workshops, one making flax flowers and one glazing. All thoroughly enjoyed the experience at Mount Ida Pottery. Many, who had never handled clay before, returned to Mount Ida later in the year to further their knowledge of ceramics and brought others to share in the experience.
The workshops were very well organised by Trevor. All materials were in readiness and the workshops were well paced for those unfamiliar with the medium. The convivial atmosphere, encouraged by copious quantities of tea and buns, left many of the participants requesting additional such projects.
The 200 flax flowers, assembled after the workshops by Trevor, were installed by him at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio and continue to bloom there in the garden in the summer months.
Deirdre Quail
Project Co ordinator

The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at Mount Ida Pottery is the warmest of welcomes and genuine hospitality, the second is the calm and beautiful surroundings. Mount Ida Pottery is a haven of calm where you feel free to explore hidden creativity under the expert guidance of Trevor and Ellie. My first visit here was indeed the first time I had ever handled clay. Trevor made sure that we could follow our own agenda or use his samples for inspiration. All necessary techniques and processes were explained in a fun and relaxed way. I was completely delighted with the final pieces and displayed them at home pride of place for all to see.  I have utterly loved my sessions at the pottery, so much so that I have returned time and time again with many different groups of friends and family.  I am now well and truly happily addicted. Highly recommend for all ages, abilities and dispositions. Take my word for it, this place is magical.
Jane Mawson
F.E. McWilliam

After enjoying a very entertaining workshop at Trevor Woods’ studio, I set about organizing a school project for St Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore. Miss McGuinness, school principal, was enthusiastic about the venture and so the planning began. Trevor was meticulous in his approach. The children were immersed in the whole creative process from initial brainstorming of ideas, through drawings and creating the overall design.
Between the design process and actually working with Trevor, the children got an opportunity to experience handling clay through making simple pinch pots and small plaques, taking inspiration from Trevor’s own ceramic pieces.
There was a palpable air of excitement throughout the school when Trevor arrived. Groups were organized and the mammoth task of involving everyone began. Trevor managed the excited children, imparting knowledge effortlessly while making everyone feel valued and included. He quickly tuned into the needs of the children, making the whole process a very enjoyable one.
With all the pieces packed safely into Trevor’s car, the waiting and questions began. ‘ Do you think they’re dry yet? Do you think they’re in the kiln now? How long will it take? I wonder did any explode!!’ The questions and comments continued until the big reveal – Trevor was back and the pieces had survived the kiln. The next stage of the process began and the children learned about glazes and techniques used to bring the massive work of art to life. The time passed quickly, the glazing was completed and the waiting began again.
When Trevor returned with the mounted work of art there was a collective feeling of accomplishment and pride. Placed in the school foyer, the ceramic piece continues to brighten every day. It is a conversation piece that draws you in and leads you through our community; The Past, The Present, The future.
Everyone at St. Patrick’s P.S. thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with Trevor and the overall benefit is immeasurable. We look forward to working with Trevor in the future.
Rose Ann Bradley
Teacher/Project facilitator

Nestled amid the rural idyll of the Dromara Hills, yet only a stone’s throw from the A1 running from Belfast to Dublin, Mount Ida Pottery is a must-visit location.
Inspired by the artisans of the ancient world, Trevor is a ceramic artist who runs workshops and classes from his studio which is, in fact, an integral part of his home.
This is indeed a family operation with Ellen, Trevor’s daughter, having definitely inherited some of the family’s artistic genes and now a budding ceramicist in her own right. Mount Ida is also a community hub, a place where other local artisans can showcase their work. The atmosphere is friendly, homely and inclusive. Art students and classes, groups of friends, special occasion visitors – all are welcome.
With his farming background and location and surrounded by a picture-perfect country garden – tended lovingly by his wife Claire – Trevor’s inspiration is derived from the natural clay of the County Down countryside.
Whether it be a collection of effervescent ceramic flowers or a family of mystical Irish hares; whether the solidity of a colourful tractor or the fragility of a spindly-legged sheep, the essence of the creation is rural and embodies a living natural world.
Trevor’s fearless use of colour reflects a positive energy and a playful creativity that is very much tied to the local around him. He is a genial patron, an excellent host, an inspiring teacher and an affable raconteur.
Attending one of his pottery classes is not only a learning experience in throwing, painting and glazing but also a delightful social experience where ‘the craic is ninety’!
You may wish to make some pottery; you may wish to buy a ceramic gift or you might simply choose to have a good oul’ Irish yarn. Whatever pleases you, Trevor is ‘yer man’ and Mount Ida Pottery is ‘the place.’

Linda Stubbings

With great trepidation I accompanied my sister and roomie to Mount Ida Pottery. Not one known for my artistic capabilities, Trevor gently guided and encouraged me to dig deep to find that one little glimmer of creative-ness. Trevor, my hero, was so patient with me, even though he coined me as his biggest challenge to date- and he was a teacher for 20 years! It was such an incredible experience and my proudly displayed master piece receives many complements and queries about which shop it's from! Trevor and his family have created such a welcoming and relaxing yet professional workshop- I would love to visit again when I'm back in the country. I also loved the special tea and treats!!

Jud Sweeny

Fantastic afternoon at Mount Ida Pottery! It has always been an ambition of mine to try throwing on potters wheel. It was such a super experience, and I exceeded my expectations by actually creating some interesting pieces. It was very therapeutic too, and the delicious homemade tray bakes and cup of tea added to the day. Trevor was full of super advice and tips and was a great guide for the afternoon. Looking forward to returning to see our finished pieces. Highly recommend!

Suzanne Boyle

Katesbridge Ladies' Rural Group and Katesbridge Community Association have collaborated with Mount Ida Pottery over the past 14 years on art-based projects inspired by rural life and community.
These projects include a fabulous ceramic wall mural depicting Katesbridge during WWII, the group used a range of media which included watercolours, image transfer and of course ceramics. The mural is over a metre square and has been a great talking point over the years.
We have often gone to Trevor with a theme or idea, and he has quickly evolved it into a full-blown programme which was applicable to all age groups, so forging inter-generational participation.
The outcomes have always left a lasting impression on all the participants. The chat and craic was always appreciated.

Katesbridge Ladied Rural Group

A big Thank You for introducing me to the wonderful world of Ceramics. For me, a complete beginner, to enjoy and create satisfying pieces is down to the patience, guidance and inspiration from all at Mount Ida. I just love the calm surroundings as I experiment with various ceramic pieces.

Lyn Irwin

Mount Ida pottery is one of my favourite places to visit. I can’t get enough! Trevor is such an inspiring, encouraging and patient teacher and I learn and laugh so much each time I’m there. I love the pieces I’ve made over the years and always look forward to going back to try something new. I can’t recommend the whole experience highly enough. I give it six stars out of five!! 

Michelle Wooderson

A couple of weeks ago my daughter and I went to Mount Ida Pottery for the first time. We both had a go at "throwing" clay using the wheel (her attempts much more successful than mine) and then hand making our own fairy doors, which was really fun and gave us the opportunity to be very creative in how We designed them. We came back to glaze the bowls and fairy doors today and seen how they had turned out after their first go in the kiln. All looking good so far... Can't wait to see how they turn out with the glaze on them! Ellen and Emma were so helpful and welcoming. The tea and homemade cakes were a lovely touch also and the studio felt very homely, the perfect place to while away a drizzly Friday afternoon. Would recommend Mount Ida to anyone. We have had lots of fun mummy daughter days out but have to say this has been the best experience to date  😊 5****

Nadia Christina

Mount Ida Pottery is a place to indulge your creative self. A wealth of; clay choices, building techniques and glazing options along with expert tuition makes every visit worthwhile and the rewards are beautiful objects to take hope and cherish. I just love it!
I booked into Mount Ida Pottery for two sessions of making and decorating and I’m still there four years later. Need I say any more! First class studio facilities matched by Trevor’s skilled tuition and encouragement have brought on an addiction to making ceramics that I could never have predicted. 
I cannot recommend highly enough a visit to Mount Ida Pottery. Whether you want to buy, make or just enjoy the fabulous rural setting, you will be welcomed by Trevor who is on hand to introduce beginners or experienced potters to advancing their ceramic skills using the first class facilities in his studio.  
Whether you want to learn how to work with clay or choose a beautiful and unique piece of ceramic art, Mount Ida Pottery is a must destination. You will be welcomed and entertained by Trevor who is an inspiring tutor who will have you being creative in no time!
I started with a pinch pot and ended up selling an abundance of work at craft fairs all thank to Trevor’s patience, encouragement and expert tuition at his fabulous facilities in a scenic rural setting just outside Banbridge.
For me a workshop at Mount Ida Pottery means .... relaxation, trying something new, surprising myself, a warm scone and good craic ..... what more could you ask for!

Vine Haugh