Artists Statement

The wheel forms the basis of my work , skills learnt through repetition throwing and the discipline required help to inform and develop the individual pieces.

I enjoy and get great satisfaction from all stages of the making right through to the final firing. 

All glazes are made by me from research and experimentation and trials of  glazes based on oriental tradition.

Together with the reduction technique help to achieve  a distinct range of glazes.

Current Work

Stoneware and Porcelain reduction fired to 1280’c. Functional, and domestic ware and individual pieces mainly thrown using a variety of techniques and production.

Work Available from:
A wide range of work is available at the Lichfield workshop gallery. Individual commissions welcomed.
Regular exhibitor with the RBSA gallery and the Midlands Potters Association.
Barewall, 2-4 Market Place, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 4AT

Other Information
Available for lectures, demonstrations and workshops.

Technical Information

Gas fired kiln most of the work fired to cone 10.

A variety of distinctive glazes used based on classic oriental glazes – in particular Crackle glaze  Chuns Tenmoku, Celedons, Iron reds Blue and White ware.

Slips and other oxides used to alter and vary the surface.

Currently introducing  Shino glazes to achieve a variety of orange and textured surfaces.

History and Background

Born: July 1949
Education:
Graduate of Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen, award winning Midland-based artist specialising in Ceramics.
Background:
Plays a central role in both the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and Midland Potters association. Has exhibited work in galleries across the UK and undertakes commissions from his Staffordshire Studio Pottery.
Employment:
Head of Art, Broadway School, Perry Bar, Birmingham (retired 2008)
Diploma of Arts, Gray’s School of Art Aberdeen (1978)
Post Graduate Diploma, Ceramics (1979)
Currently:
- Working full time at his workshop in Lichfield
- Active member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) since 1985. Regularly featured in society exhibitions and Treasurer since 1987.
- Longstanding member of the Midland Potters Association (MPA), Is the current chairman of the Midlands Potters' Association.
- Proprietor of Rosehouse Studio Pottery and Shop producing works from locally-sourced materials since 1981. Also manages small gallery space above the workshop, exhibiting work from regional artists.
Previous Memberships:
Birmingham Art Circle (president 1982-1985)
Sutton Coldfield Society of Artists (1972 -1984)

Awards

1996 - Reginald Lewis 3D Sculpture Prize, RBSA Open Oil and Sculpture Exhibition
1988 - Lucas Craft award, RBSA Watercolour and Craftwork Open Exhibition
1985 - Elected as full member of Royal Society of Birmingham Artists (RBSA)
1977 - Elsie Burns travelling scholarship

Exhibition History

31 September – 13 November 2011 porcelain teapot featured at British Ceramic Biennial 2011
August 2011 Staffordshire Enjoy Art exhibition & ‘Open Studios’
25 June – 4 September 2011 ‘MPA Pots at the Hall’, Himley Hall Dudley exhibition of work by Midlands Potters’ Association
13 July – 20 August 2011 Blue & White porcelain work selected for Open Ceramics Exhibition RBSA Gallery Birmingham

Open and members Exhibition RBSA GALLERY THROUGHOUT 2011, 2010 RBSA Gallery
December 2010 - January 2011 Christmas Show COMPASS GALLERY GLASGOW a selection of Landscape panels.
6 September - 3 October 2010 ‘MPA Goes to Uni’ University Centre Milton Keynes
3 April – 25 April 2010 MPA 30th Anniversary Exhibition Bevere Gallery Worcester
13 February – 3 March 2010 ‘MPA at Burton’ Brewhouse Gallery Burton – on – Trent
12 December – 28 February 2010 MPA at Nuneaton.
19 July – 5 September 2009 ‘Open Ceramics’ RBSA Gallery Birmingham
2009 RBSA Craft Gallery (19th April 13th June)

2008 MPA selected exhibition, Himley Hall    
2001-2002 MPA selected exhibition, Booth House Gallery, Holmfirth   
2001 Lichfield Arts Festival, Lichfield Cathedral
1997 Chase Gallery, Wadebridge, Cornwall     
1997 MPA open exhibition, Bond Street, Nuneaton   
1997 Clayworks Potters Co-operative, Worcester
1984-1996 MPA open exhibition, Ridware Art Centre   
1982-1996 RBSA open and members exhibitions    
1996 Montpellier Gallery, Stratford Upon Avon and Cheltenham   
1995/6 MPA open exhibition, RBSA Gallery, New Street  and Lichfield Library
1993 MPA selected exhibition, Vaughan College, Leicester University   
1992 MPA open exhibition, Gladstone Museum, Longton   
1992 MPA selected exhibition, Minworth Greaves Musuem, Bourneville   
1972-1990 Birmingham Art Circle exhibitions    
1972–1989 Various MPA and student exhibitions