My extensive collection of historical ceramics numbering many hundreds of which are broken, has been a source of inspiration for me for many years.  Whilst in the past my work has mainly been of teapots or indeed things that can pour, the last few years has seen a change which at the time shocked me:  It was so unexpected. The German salt glaze tradition featuring the face mask of Cardinal Bellarmine – with beard, instilled the thought of perhaps a few vessels of Peter Meanley – with beard, but the few vessels became more as the beard became more elaborate.  Also, the English tradition of using complimentary coloured sprigs which I would call ‘drabware’ opened up other possibilities to the surface.
Of equal surprise, but as an extension of the Bellarmines, I began to look at Toby jugs and translate my work through the Toby tradition: indeed I have even become and avid collector of Toby’s.  So far my work has been autobiographical although recently I have undertaken a Toby of a very good friend and former colleague in the University of Ulster. Currently I am on my third series of Tobys and am going back to the late C18 and Staffordshire for reference.
My work is in salt glaze, is high fired, and at the age of 65 I am perhaps at the height of my capabilities.  I remain passionate about the ideas yet to be made.  Drawing is compulsive for me.