Ian Scott

A summer job at Sackville Harness Shop, while studying at Mount Allison University, in Sackville, New Brunswick led me into leatherwork. Fresh out of college, I started a business called Leather Clan, making and wholesaling leathergoods throughout the Maritimes.

Having taught an evening course in the Amherst YMCS while in college, I was hired to teach leatherwork on Prince Edward Island, quickly learning that the creative environment of a craft college, was a fun place to work. After visiting design schools in Europe, I returned to work at Holland College School of Visual Arts which was the only full time leatherwork program in Canada from 1972-1983.

Through teaching, I met Daphne Large an Island potter, who had studied at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and had just opened New London Village Pottery. Daphne taught part time at Holland College and in 1976 we were married. Our family includes grown children: Rob, Andrew, and Suzanne.

I had developed a strong interest in the impact that adult education could have on community development and completed a masters in adult education from St. Francis Xavier University in 1983. The same year I became executive director of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, which operates the provincial museum system. Eventually this led to opportunities in cultural and educational administration within government and the University of PEI. The opportunity to take early retirement in 2005 gave me a chance to devote time to a number of interests. I continue to teach part time at Seniors College at UPEI, and work during the summer season at New London Village Pottery.

My interests include photography, painting, writing and web design as well as kayaking and gardening. Creating HomePort, brings together interests in family and local history. I enjoy helping people discover the continuum of their own family history - connecting past and present. The latest venture I have helped coordinate is ArtisanPEI.com

I have a few blogs as well in the following areas:

• Provincial Museum of PEI
• PEI History
  
• Seniors College of PEI
• Clan Scott
• New London Village Pottery
  
• Holland College SVA Reunion 2007
• Holland College SVA History

Leatherwork continues to bring me enjoyment. My work has included custom footwear, furniture, bookbinding and clothing. Most of my work now is on a smaller scale, but some larger pieces have toured internationally in gallery exhibitions, and are in permanent collection like the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.  I've also had unique opportunities to produce official gifts for two Royal Visits to Canada.  

New London Village Pottery keeps both Daphne and I busy as does the vacation rental property we operate nearby, called Potter's House.

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