Frequently Asked Questions

How to buy

You can buy Pretender items at my Ludlow shop, at in-person markets and events and on Etsy.

Markets 2024

ARM, Warwickshire Events Centre, 15-17 March

Glastonbury Abbey, 27-28 April

Evesham Medieval Market, 18-19 May

Leeds International Medieval Congress, 3-4 July

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, 13-14 July

Battle of Evesham, 3-4 August

Ludlow shop

My Ludlow shop is shared with Jack-in-the-Green Gallery, where we sell a range of original artwork and ceramics. Work by Pretender to the Throne changes seasonally and includes both recurring and one-off designs.

Etsy shop

The Pretender Etsy shop is stocked with greetings cards and tea cloths featuring original designs. The shop is updated regularly, and stock levels and availability are dependent on our commitments at markets and in our Ludlow store. I’m sorry, but I am only able to send items to the UK mainland.

Custom orders

Coming up with new ideas is what keeps this show on the road. I have been overwhelmed with interest and with opening our new retail store over the last 18 months. This means I am currently closed for custom orders while I catch up with all outstanding orders and make stock to keep the shop shelves full. To find out when I re-open, follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

I’ve seen something I like on social media. How do I get it?

I use social media to share works in progress, to mark seasonal events and to advertise markets. I do not sell items via social media, and many items are limited runs or one-off editions. If you would like to buy something, look at ‘How To Buy’ above.

How are pieces made?

All ceramics are made in small batches in my home studio. Each ceramic piece is rolled, cut out, dried, trimmed, fired, sanded, hand-painted, glazed and then given a second firing. It can take 6 weeks to make a single piece. To work as efficiently as possible, the kiln needs to be fully loaded for each firing. Sometimes the kiln gods are not kind and I have to start again!