Jon Danes

Ceramics is a vibrant tradition that has been thriving in Jon’s family for at least five exciting generations! The earliest records trace back to an amazing pottery in Hoo, Kent, from 1834, where Jon’s great-g-uncle Edward Baker made a name for himself at the renowned Upchurch pottery starting in 1909. Each generation has brought its own unique flair to the craft! Jon himself completed a degree in ceramics at Bristol in 1985, diving deep into thrown ware and glaze development. Inspired by the whimsical cartoon drawings and the elegant Wedgwood Creamware catalogues from the late 19th century, he built kilns and experimented with wood-fired salt glaze, creating stunning teapot forms that captivated him for years.

After exploring various jobs, Jon joyfully returned to his passion for pottery while also training to be a teacher. He has been sharing his love for ceramics ever since, currently teaching at West Dean College in and even running engaging workshops for blind and visually impaired students at New College, Worcester. While his heart was always with wheel-thrown objects, Jon realized that selling teapots alone wouldn’t sustain him. Inspired by the imaginative work of his parents, he began crafting delightful animal sculptures, starting with a charming pig that seemed to spring to life! From there, he joyfully expanded his creations to include sheep, chickens, cows, and horses, always refining his artistry along the way!