My interest in wood-firing began after working with a potter in France making wood- fired stoneware. Then studying ceramics at Croydon College of Art and Dartington Training Pottery Workshop. In 1981 I set up Ryburgh Pottery in North Norfolk, Where I continue to work. 

 

At present I am using two very different wood-fired kilns:

The first, an anagama type kiln in which my work is fired for three or four 

days. The flames and wood ash enter the kiln during the firing creating

a variety of colours and textures. Each pot is unique depending on its position in the kiln. My second kiln is a bourry box kiln which I fire for 20 hrs. This Kiln has two distinc zones one relying on natural ash from the firebox to glaze to my work, the other work is glazed with Shino and wood ash glazes. These fluid natural coloured glazes gift the pots with the freshness they had while still wet on the wheel.

 

Early Euopean pots and Far Eastern ceramics have been a major inspiration.

I now make small batches and one off functional pots, hand thrown on a kick

Wheel, using high firing stoneware and porcelain clays. My work ranges from pots for use to more suulpal pieces some over 4ft tall.