Support Local: Tony Sly

Volare Bread and Tony Sly: A Perfect Blend of Craftsmanship

At Volare Bread, we are thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with the renowned Raglan potter, Tony Sly. Together, we've crafted a custom Latte mug featuring a unique glaze that perfectly complements our new branding. Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Tony’s workshop at Raglan Wharf.

Keep reading for a glimpse into our conversation with Tony as he shared insights about his craft and our exciting partnership or click here to shop the mug online.

A Day at Tony's Workshop

Stepping into Tony Sly’s workshop at Raglan Wharf is like entering a haven of creativity. The industrial shed houses a charming shop front with open doors leading to a bustling studio. Big roller doors allow natural light to flood the space, offering stunning views over the Raglan harbour to the lush green hills of Te Akau. It’s in this inspiring setting that we watched Tony work his magic, while questioning hime about his process.

On the Art of Pottery

In winter, it takes two days to get to the trimming phase, while in summer, it’s overnight. The process starts with hand throwing the clay, working it to a leather-hard stage before it can be trimmed. These custom mugs are made from local stoneware sourced from nearby Huntly and are dishwasher safe. Each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure the highest quality.

From Passion to Profession

Tony began working for a pottery supply company in his 20s, which sparked his interest in pottery. He worked for free for any potter in the Waikato who would have him and took bar jobs at night to make ends meet. It was a self-made internship, and although it was tough, it laid the foundation for his career.

The Evolution of a Craftsman

When asked what challenges he faced in the early days, Tony reflected on being on the cusp of a generation; too late to be a hippie potter in the Coromandel and too early for the design courses that are now widespread. However, those experiences served him well and now – in his 50s and 60s – he feels the timing is finally right, as pottery has once again become wildly popular.

The Commercial Focus

Tony went on to tell us that while pottery is a creative outlet, his work has always had a more commercial feel. Of course, that isn't to say that the pieces aren't incredibly beautiful, but he chooses to focus on creating practical items that people will use and love, not just admire. His husband, Tim, is a great touchstone and always asks if what he is making is something they'd be happy to have at home. For Tony, pottery is a means of making a living and his artistic expression is in his two-acre garden.

Consistency and Growth

Tony has been in Raglan for 25 years and moved into his current studio – at the old wharf building before everything burned down – about 17 years ago. As the town has grown, so has his business. He now has two brick-and-mortar stores – one in Raglan and one in Auckland – as well as an online store.

Consistency and reliability have been key to their growth, which is why Tony still throws every single pot that they sell. But much like running a kitchen or bakery, maintaining stock levels requires personal discipline. This is all possible thanks to his incredible team and, particularly his manager Alice who handles much of the operations side of things so that he can just come into the studio, sit down at his wheel, put headphones in and do what he does best.

He said that although it can make him feel like a dinosaur, it's exciting to see young people – often second or third-generation customers – appreciating his work. It’s a real full-circle moment and it's rewarding to know that their pieces are used and cherished.

The Future of Tony Sly Pottery

To get through the quieter months, Tony says they'll focus on more custom ranges like ours – working with local companies to create unique pieces that will help their brand tell a story – and on online sales. They're also looking into developing a glaze made from locally sourced materials.

The Key to His Success

When asked what the key to his success has been, Tony said that he believes it's about hard work and dedication. It’s not about “if I look the part, then I am the part” as Instagram would have us believe. It’s about working on something, stripping it back to its component parts, and letting your skill, consistency, and uniqueness shine through.

Just like Volare, Tony Sly is a brand people can trust, always prioritising quality over trends. And although his pieces are more pricey, it's about value over time. It's about making items are functional and that people want to use, rather than forgetting about them in the back of a cupboard. An everyday luxury.

A Shared Philosophy 

This collaboration with Tony Sly aligns perfectly with our values at Volare Bread. Both of us emphasize handcrafted quality, local sourcing, and authenticity. Our custom Latte mugs are not just functional items but a reflection of the care and craftsmanship that go into everything we create. We invite you to visit us and experience this beautiful blend of artistry and practicality, brought to life by Tony Sly and Volare Bread.

Available in all Volare stores and online. Click here to get your hands on one of these limited edition beauties today – shipping available for Auckland, Tauranga, and Waikato addresses.