William is a potter making handcrafted tableware and specialist teaware. His work aims to explore the relationship between beauty and functionality, with a focus on tea ceremonies. He is inspired by Eastern ceramic traditions, particularly the Mingei movement of Japan.
William was an apprentice to master potter Jun Rhee before setting up his own business, Northern Pots. He works from a large studio in Newcastle upon Tyne, in partnership with Estate Tea Co., a specialty tearoom.
QEST funding supported William in his studies at Clay College over a two-year period, where he received full-time tuition. The course focused on practical and technical skills and provided a thorough grounding in studio pottery, with training in designing, forming, decorating, glazing and firing techniques. He has since worked under an established potter in Japan before returning to the UK to establish a rural pottery, sourcing local materials and building his own kiln.
