Myself
I was born and raised in England. My parents ran a ladies' clothing store. My father had been trained as a Savile Row tailor and was also an accomplished cabinet maker and a capable upholsterer.
I studied history at Oxford University and then, after a spell in financial jobs in London, came to the US to pursue a doctorate in American History at Columbia. But, I guess, craft was in my genes and not to be denied. I took a pottery course at Riverside Church across the road from Columbia and haven't stopped since!
My work
The pots are made of stoneware clay, occasionally porcelain, and fired in an electric kiln to about 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Most are meant for everyday use.
Some are made on the potter's wheel, others from rolled out slabs of clay. I love the plasticity of clay. I enjoy the processes of making pots by hand and leaving my "fingerprints" as it were on the finished piece.
I aim for a style which combines elegance with strength and movement with rest. Ideally, each piece should be easy on the eyes and comfortable in the hand.
The Neolithic Series Video
Just before the pandemic began, my wife and I paid a visit to the Metropolitan Museum. Among the many wonderful objects there, I was particularly struck by a Neolithic Chinese jade. The result has been a series of pots inspired by this piece. Subsequently Brittany Adams helped me make a video showing the making of one of these pieces: the inspiration, and the making. Click on the link below to watch:
https://vimeo.com/490488764
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you use lead?
My glazes do not contain lead. Perfectly safe glazes can be made with lead but lead is a flux which is particularly useful to melt glazes at lower temperatures. At the temperature at which I fire my pots, lead is not needed.
Are your pieces microwave, dishwasher and oven safe?
In most cases they are. The pieces with bronze pigment on the rims are better washed by hand. Those pieces should not be used with acidic foods such as vinaigrette. If you are not sure, please ask.
Do you accept commissions
I am happy to make pieces to order provided the request is within the parameters of my style, palette, and technical capabilities (e.g. my kiln is only so big!)
Shipping and insurance claims
I generally use the US Post Office for shipping. I find insured two-day priority is the most economical and almost as quick as one-day which is much more expensive.
I will deliver locally and if you can pick up your purchase from my studio, since the website prices include shipping, there will be a commensurate discount.
Pieces are carefully wrapped and double boxed. I have had very little experience of damage in transit but it can happen. In the event, a piece arrives damaged, unfortunately, I have to ask you to file the insurance claim. This is not because I wish to avoid responsibility but because the Post Office may ask for the packaging and damaged piece to be brought to a Post Office for inspection.