I read Engineering at City University and Kings College, London University. After two years as a Patent Examiner, I researched building materials in construction industry organisations and at the University of Illinois before working on environmental issues for the cement industry. At this time pottery involved evening classes and short courses at Harrow Art School (Peter Starkey and Mick Casson),Ealing College (Richard Dewar and David Kanikanian),University of Illinois,Thames Valley University/Langley College (John Lomas) and Brunel University.

Slab-built porcelain vase with a textured surface and a copper red glaze

Eventually administrative activities concerned with environmental reporting, the climate change levy, government departments and the increasing multinational nature of cement manufacture meant I was spending my time at a desk, looking at a computer screen and attending meetings. A change in direction was needed and, as cement is made from chalk and clay fired to over 1400C in a large rotary kiln, becoming a potter did not seem such a major career change. In 2003 I built a small studio and a kiln and started making pots full-time. Demonstrations by numerous professional potters at events run by West Forest Potters and the Dacorum Potters provided valuable practical advice and inspiration.