After completing a degree in ceramics at Bristol, Matt worked for potteries in Bath and in the Hebrides throughout the 1990’s. In 2001 he set up a workshop at Stowford Manor Farm in Wiltshire, where he has continued to work since.

Matt throws with a Cornish stoneware clay and makes a range of tableware alongside individual and larger pieces. His pots are fired in an 18cu.ft kiln, built in 2004, which takes up to 18 hours to reach the top temperature of 1300C. Flame in the kiln gives a warm ‘toasted’ finish to the clay.

The glazes, which are mostly Oriental in origin, include copper reds, iron rich tenmoku, shino, kaki, blue jun and a cream coloured chun. Other glazes make use of ‘found’ materials such as wood ash and local clays , which create the character and colour of the glaze. Matt is increasingly interested in developing more of these beautiful and exciting glazes.

Footed bowls with altered rim, splashed decoration over a Chun glaze
Large vase with a wood ash glaze, speckled with iron
Vase decorated with wood ash glaze over thick black slip

Matt’s History:

2001 to Present: Stowford Farm Pottery

1993 to 2000: Walcot Pottery, Bath and Iona Pottery, Hebrides – Working seasonally between both

1991 to 1993 : Walcot Pottery, Bath – Technician and Thrower

1990 to 1991: South West Training, Bristol – Pottery Tutor

1984 to 1987: Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol – BA Honours Degree in Ceramics

Publications:

Several images of Matt’s work are included in Mike Bailey’s book, ‘Oriental Glaze’ (A&C Black; 2004)