Ep 1. Cheese Set & Port Chalices

In season 4, episode 1 of The Great Pottery Throw Down, the competition is heating up as the remaining contestants are tasked with creating a cheese set and port chalices. The episode begins with the 11 potters meeting host Siobhán McSweeney and judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller at Pottery HQ. The judges explain that for their first challenge, the potters must create a set of four cheese accessories, including a cheeseboard, a butter dish, a knife rest, and a cheese dome, using the coiling technique.

The potters get right to work, carefully planning out their designs and getting their hands dirty with clay. Some struggle with the coiling technique, which involves rolling the clay into long, thin pieces and shaping them into the desired form, while others find their groove and quickly move on to the next steps. Throughout the challenge, the judges offer critiques, both positive and negative, encouraging the potters to take more risks and push their creativity to the next level.

In the end, the cheese sets are judged based on functionality, aesthetic appeal, and technical skill. Some of the sets impress the judges with their beautiful glazes and unique shapes while others fall short, either because they lack the necessary functionality or were executed poorly.

Next up is the main challenge: creating four port chalices, each with a different design and personality. The potters are given three hours to complete this task, using any techniques and tools they choose. The judges emphasize the importance of creating a set of chalices that work together as a cohesive unit but are also distinct and stand out on their own.

As the potters get to work, tensions rise as they compete against each other, trying to put their own unique spin on the traditional port chalice. Some choose to focus on intricate patterns and designs, while others prioritize functionality, making sure the chalices are easy to hold and drink out of. The judges offer guidance and tips throughout the challenge, pushing the potters to experiment and take risks with their designs.

At the end of the challenge, the potters line up their chalices for the judges to evaluate. Some of the sets are stunning, incorporating unique shapes, colors, and textures, while others fall short, either because they are too basic or because they don't work well together as a group.

In the end, one potter is declared the winner of the challenge and another must leave the competition. The episode ends with a preview of next week's challenge, leaving viewers excited to see what the talented potters will create next.