Ben Barker has been a studio potter for over 40 years. He works in Harry Fraser Porcelain 155-1149. He is essentially self-taught and for ten years had his first Pottery in East Anglia where he made a wide range of reduction fired domestic stoneware fired in a 60 cubic foot catenary arch gas kiln. He subsequently moved to West Sussex where he taught ceramics and sculpture in the independent sector and continued to make and exhibit his own work.
Having spent his childhood living in Falmouth, Ben returned to Cornwall where he has established Chy Gwynn Pottery in the rural village of Cusgarne near Truro. His current work comprises contemporary black and white ceramics and hand thrown porcelain influenced by oriental forms and glazes. Ben’s ceramics are sold from the Pottery and at auction, exhibitions, Artist’s Open Studios and selected galleries in the UK.
He offers morning, afternoon and full day tuition on the potter’s wheel for all abilities and as artist in residence works with students in schools and colleges and offers demonstrations and workshops for various groups and societies.
In addition to private commissions, ceramic murals, sculpture, plaques and awards for presentation have been undertaken for County councils and corporations and work is represented in museums and other permanent collections and journals.
Ben is a member of the Cornwall Crafts Association and the Cornwall Ceramics and Glass Group.
