Walter Keeler

I made my first pot fifty-six years ago as a student of Victor Margrie and Mick Casson at Harrow School of Art, before the foundation of the famous Studio Pottery Course. Because of my pre-art school interest in old British pottery, I was not drawn for influence to Japanese and far eastern pottery (even though I could see its merit) and my work remains rooted in European and especially British traditions. Saltglaze hooked me from my early days: my first non electric kiln was for salt. A few years after we moved to Wales (in 1976) my functional pots were transformed by drawing on my sculptural instinct to alter and assemble thrown components, which invigorated my interest as well as my reputation. Since then I have also made earthenware which reflects my enthusiasm for early 'industrial' pottery. Cream ware, tortoiseshell glazes and 'crabstock' spouts and handles have all lead me to unexpected pots, which while still functional often challenge and amuse the user.