Ann Bates discovered her passion for pottery in 1989 through a local evening class. Eager to deepen her knowledge, she pursued ceramics at Chesterfield College and later earned a First-Class Honours degree in Applied Art from the University of Derby in 2000.

Following graduation, she established a pottery workshop in Cromford, Derbyshire, alongside her partner. However, after his unexpected passing, she relocated her practice to her home. Pottery became a source of healing, inspiring her to create unique, hand-built funerary urns that offer comfort and celebrate life.

Ann coils and slab builds vessels and tiles. Her work is inspired by geological formations, standing stones, and carvings from the Neolithic era.

Influenced by ancient standing stones and Neolithic burial mounds, her research led her to the Long Barrow in Wiltshire, the first of its kind built in 5,000 years. Several of her urns now rest there, providing a meaningful space for remembrance and reflection.