A sailor by profession John retired after 30 years at sea to follow an academic career teaching business management and making pots.  Early beginnings in Chichester were guided by courses at West Dean College and work with Deborah Bains in Suffolk.  Later influences have been dominated by the work of Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. 

A particular joy has been the work of potters such as Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie, Mike Dodd, Jim Malone and Phil Rogers.  All the work of Edmund de Waal is considered inspirational.

Simple forms predominate with earthy blue and brown glazes – there is a particular fascination with ash glazes.  Generally, utilitarian shapes are the norm but there is a strong artistic drive that is not afraid to produce pure shape and colour.  Generally against ornamentation, there is a desire for simplicity and austerity but also the quiet unassuming nobility that a good piece can evoke.