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 a a student member. Over the following two years I completed a full-time course at Medway College of Design with a diploma in ceramics - while enjoying the privilege of having internationally-renowned mentors such as Colin Pearson and the late Geoffrey Whiting.

Slipware I set up my studio in Whitstable and built a large natural gas-fired kiln to produce domestic and individual pieces in stoneware and porcelain for sale to shops and galleries in Kent and Sussex. I broadened my interest by teaching in schools and adult centres, and took a wide range of classes for people with learning difficulties. My teaching is now confined to pupils of St. Mary's Westbrook, Folkestone, and students in my Whitstable studio.

Most of my work is now in raku, burnished earthenware or white clays, and traditional English slipware. I keep to classical forms with a minimum of decoration, although I am drawn to complementary impressed or incised designs. Burnished Earthenware

Raku I have exhibited work all over the south east in galleries and other outlets. My choice of glaze, for dependability, is John Solly's high-fired earthenware base transparent (1080-1140).