Before establishing his own studio in 1988, Tony studied ceramics and then worked in the ceramic industry in Stoke on Trent (including as a designer for Coalport China, part of Wedgwood). His background in the industry gave him a broad appreciation of ceramics and techniques. He is interested in the art ware produced by Royal Doulton in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but also fascinated by the work of French potters such as Clement Massier.
Apart from ceramics, he is equally appreciative of the work of Kandinsky, Malevich, Mondrian, Nicholson, Brancusi and Rodchenko. They have all been an influence on him, as have the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
While drawing on these sources and various cultures, he also has his own original vision. He has developed his own glazes and techniques over many years of experimentation and is still excited by the results of the combination of human judgement and technique. Tony continues to enjoy the process of using art and skill to challenge the status quo and to produce work which resists the pressure to conform.
Tony is a fellow of the Craft Potters Association.