Robert Whelpton was born in 1952. He trained at North Staffordshire Polytechnic, qualifying with a Dip. A.D. in 3D Ceramics in 1974. After extensive travels, he returned to England in 1985, and has since lived and worked in Wiltshire.
His distinctive ceramics are created by the Raku process, fired outdoors. The characteristic crackling of the glazes and glowing colours of this method are achieved by placing the red hot pots in sawdust, which ignites with the heat, further charring the unglazed areas. The combinations and textures this creates are as effective as they are unexpected.
The patterns incised on the surface of his pots are of birds, animals and fish, in rhythmic, intertwined shapes, with much beauty and a certain humour.
