Peter Hackford
I had been a hobby potter during a long career in journalism and joined the newly-formed Kent Professional Potters' Association in 1974 as a student member. Over the ensuing years I completed a full-time course at Medwqay College of Design and gained a diploma in ceramics - while enjoying the privilege of having internationally-known mentors such as Colin Pearson and Goeffrey Whiting.
I set up my studio in Whitstable and built a large natural gas kiln to produce domestic and individual pieces in porcelain, stoneware and earthenware for sale in outlets and galleries in Kent and Sussex. My interest in the scope of pottery was broadened by teaching in schools and adult centres, and I took a wide range of classes for people with learning difficulties. My teaching is now confined to private students in my studio.
Most of my work is in raku or pit-fired pots. I still exhibit regularly in the Somerset Maugham Gallery, Whitstable. My choice of glaze, for dependability, is John Solly's high-fired earthenware base transparent (1080-1140).