naveed Khan – The Great Pottery Throw Down

Naveed Khan is known to those of us who follow Moo Like A Monkey as the reluctant toy shop assistant in their wonderful social media posts.  When not supporting his wife, Charlotte, in their award-winning boutique on The Old High Street, Nav can be found acting in the theatre and on television, and also creating his own line of ceramics as Naveed Khan Pottery.

At this very moment, you can watch him as part of The Great Pottery Throw Down on Channel 4, every Sunday night.  Only the best show on television!  Folkelife wanted to talk to him, but he’s not allowed to give interviews until the show has ended, for fear of giving away spoilers.  So, expect a full account of his time on Throw Down in due course.  In the meantime, here are his responses from the agreed press statement:

“Walking on to the set on the first day was pure excitement, with just a hint of terror.  It looked exactly like it does on the TV, but what was lovely is that it didn’t feel like a TV set at all – just a magical pottery studio!

“The tv crew didn’t phase me that much to be honest, and they are so lovely.  It soon felt like we were one big family. It was always comforting when Princess came to ask if we had everything we needed. Having been in the same position as us she always knew what to say and exactly what advice to give. She was a previous contestant, so she knows what it’s like.”

starting pottery

“I was always inspired by watching the Throw Down, I watched it from the first series. My wife bought me some evening classes as a birthday gift three years ago, I think she wanted to get me out of the house.

“My studio is in my basement, It’s a work in progress so it’s still a little shabby. There is currently no ceiling so I can hear the family above me which is nice. My youngest critiques my work whilst looking down at it through the floor boards, kids can be so harsh.

“I made my wife a vase for our anniversary, I slip transferred some of her sketches onto it and it seemed to go down well. I have a long list of requests from my wife that I haven’t got around to making yet.

“I once surprised my then 8 year old daughter by making a jar based on a design she had drawn for me. It was the first time I’d practiced a lid and double handles but what makes it one of my favourite pieces was seeing her face when she saw it.”

technical questions

What’s your favourite technique? “To be honest it’s too early to say, I’m still quite new to ceramics.  Most of my experience so far has been on the wheel. 

“In that first week on the show, I was utterly overwhelmed, I had only managed to sleep for 45 mins the night before the first day.  Normally throwing feels so peaceful, but that first week was the complete opposite.

“My inspiration comes from anything really, The Sea, The Kent Downs or whatever I scrape off my kids’ car seats.”

Siobhán, keith and rich

Which famous person would you like to make something for? “I’d like to make something for Siobhán, because I think she has great taste.

“I wanted to impress both the judges because they bring different skills and taste to the show. Siobhán genuinely saved me from spiraling in some moments during the show, she’s the best!

“I think everyone wants to make Keith cry. It’s great when he cries on Throw Down, I normally cry along with him.

the other potters

“The camaraderie between the potters was truly unbelievable, it’s what made the experience so special. It’s great to have eleven potters to ask for advice and questions about my pottery. We are bonded having been through a unique experience together, and they’re a great bunch of people – we had a lot of fun together.  Keeping the secret was so hard, but with the support of the other potters, I could share the journey with them. 

“And Gladstone is a magical place, it’s hard not to be inspired by a place with so much history.”

We wish Naveed all the best with his Throw Down journey and can’t wait to speak to him in person when he’s allowed out again.