Some Background

My first venture into ceramics came in 1985, as a result of assisting my son with his "ceramic" theory studies at home.
He was studying for a craft "A" level (which he subsequently achieved) and whilst in the process of visiting his college workshop, was impressed at the relaxation it appeared to afford the students. I had by chance discovered a most relaxing and rewarding pastime.

My full time job was demanding and stressful, so with the knowledge of my visits to my son's college in mind, I decided to spend as long as it took to convert my garage into a pottery studio.
My end of working day visits to my "project" resulted in a ready pottery work area, with work surfaces cupboards etc, but awaiting the equipment, a process that took approximately twelve months.

The first kiln
My son and I had started our ceramics journey, with a second-hand Propane fired kiln. As a result of an advertisement which we saw in the local press, we located the kiln at a private residence in the north of Lancashire. We painstakingly disassembled the kiln, brought it home, and rebuilt it using a lot of new materials.

It proved not to be a wise move for a first venture into firing clay products.
The kiln seemed to have a mind of it's own, and despite all our best efforts and long vigils at its side, refused to reach any critical temperatures. No amount of writing could describe the frustration in trying to reach temperature progressively, without any form of electronic or other control, other than a Pyrometer.
The sound of exploding pottery due to too rapid a firing rate became unbearable: the kiln had tried our patience to the limit and had won. It was eventually consigned (with much ceremony) to a rubbish dump.

A lesson learned the hard way, start with something easy to control and progress slowly.
The products of the Propane kiln (some of which I have kept to this day) were……..not good! However I was "hooked" and of course frustrated with poor results. I, that is we (my son was still at home and helping me) were constantly looking for improvements, and eventually decided to purchase a 6cu mtr. Front-loading, programmable, electric kiln. Good results were immediate, and rekindled my flagging spirits.
A "Cowley" wheel was also purchased, and with a new set of bearings and drive ring after ten years, remains in full use today.

Currently
I took early retirement in 1996, and have been able to devote a lot more time to my hobby. The learning curve (with only basic tuition) has been colossal, but I have persisted and now enjoy a wide variety of ceramic "creations".
Probably like most potters, I was in awe of the huge potential in the types of clay and other materials available (at no small price of course).
Then, having produced every conceivable type of pot, came the question of upon which type of "ware" to concentrate?

I have a good deal of "patience" and decided to concentrate upon "one-off" pieces for individuals or groups, as commemorative or celebratory items, Plaques, Bowls, etc.
There is a great deal of meticulous work involved in constructing these "one-off" items, but the results are always worthwhile, and appreciated by the recipient.

Bob