I was born in Chiswick, London and like many families in those days we had our share of musical and creative relations, my father for instance enjoyed singing and had a lovely baritone voice, and an ability to make clocks from odds and ends he had accumulated. He also repaired all types of clocks and watches and must have been one of the first to create jewellery using plastic. Mother was a very talented needlewoman and basket weaver, and we were all very keen gardeners.
On leaving school I was offered a place at a local art school but after a great deal of soul searching decided to take a commercial course instead, keeping my creative interests, at that time in drawing and painting, as a hobby. This is a decision I have never regretted,
A few years later whilst on holiday in Cromer I picked up a lump of the cliff which was lying on the beach back to where we were staying and found I could manipulate this clay-like substance and express my thoughts far better with this medium than with any other I had tried. This is how I was introduced to clay and how my continuing obsession with pottery began. On returning home I started to attend evening classes and Saturday morning classes at a small school in Bromley, which lasted about 12 years during which time my main teachers were Mr. Harper and Mr. R. Willis. This is where my passion for hand building developed, the wheel never holding any attraction for me. During this time I borrowed firing space in two other kilns in the area, apart from the one I was using at evening classes, in order to keep up with my output, which continued until I eventually acquired my own kiln in l976.
When, in 1992, I found myself in-between jobs I decided to attend a 2-year City and Guilds course in ceramics. In order to complete this course I had to show I could throw pots using a wheel and so I took lessons from a local professional potter. Since successfully completing the course I have taken to making pots on the wheel more seriously. There is a great deal to learn and I have been lucky enough to join a group of like-minded people at the potter’s studio where we work to improve our throwing techniques.
Many of my thrown pots are finished off by hand; having their shape altered or clay applied either freely or in the form of sprigs. I was inspired to use this form of decoration after a visit to Hastings Museum and observing some pieces of old Sussex pottery which came about following a very interesting talk we had at one of Wealden Potters (of which I was a long term active member) monthly meetings. I hesitate to say my inspirations are nearly always triggered off by natural forms, perhaps found whilst walking along the beach or through the woods and wildlife observations in general, as this is such an over used cliché, but it happens to be true and is something that inspired me right back in the days when I found that piece of clay on the beach. My love of hand building remains and I still make hand coiled, slab and pinched pots.
Over the years my work has been sold through various shops in London and the South East, and I have also shown work at numerous exhibitions and galleries. I now exhibit and sell my work with the Guild of East Sussex Craftworkers and at other venues.