About

Stephen made his first pots at Soham Grammar School in the 1960s. Helped and encouraged by Art teacher Peter Askem, he was accepted onto a two year foundation course in Art and Design at the Cambridge School of Art. Stephen then completed a B.A.(Hons) degree in 3D Design specialising in Ceramics at the West Surrey College of Art and Design, Farnham in 1977. After gaining a post graduate A.T.C. at the Middlesex Poytechnic he combined teaching art with continuing to develop his own work. Farnham had provided a life changing experience and many influences from fellow students as well as inspirational tutors. Among these were Henry Hammond, Paul Barron and personal tutor Sebastian Blackie.

After several years as the ceramics tutor at Marlborough College, Stephen returned to his native fens in Cambridgeshire to establish the current studio shared with his wife and artist Terry Beard. 

From those early beginnings, Stephen has focused in more recent years on hand-building and Raku firing his forms and vessels. The making process has evolved slowly to allow for the development of new ideas. The work is a visual and tactile response to the natural and built environment.

Stephen's work has been exhibited widely. He is author of The Glaze Book published in 2002 by Thames and Hudson. His new book, CONTEMPORARY RAKU , published by The Crowood Press is now available from all good book retailers.