Fate brings potter to Online Ceramics

When Online Ceramics Gallery was only a concept, Peter Ward along with John Pollex drew up a wish list of the first ten potters. High up on that list was thrown earthenware specialist, Richard Phethean. When Peter approached Richard he was sceptical that an on-line gallery would succeed. Undeterred Peter went on to approach other potters willing to give it a try.

Over two years later in September 2012 Peter went to see Ceramics in the City at the Geffrye Museum in east London. During his visit Peter entered the raffle in support of the museum and won the prize – a large Richard Phethean oval vessel! Two months later whilst at the Oxford Ceramics Fair, Peter chatted with Richard, told him he had won the prize and reminded him of their conversation two and a half years earlier.

Richard Phethean earthenware

That night when Richard got home he took a look at the website and was impressed with the quality of the potters and functionally of the website. The next day Richard spoke with Peter and agreed to supply Online Ceramics. Two weeks later Peter visited Richard in his Banbury studio and selected 16 pieces for the website. Peter said ‘I’m extremely pleased that such an acclaimed potter as Richard Phethean has agreed to be represented by the Online Ceramics Galley, Richard’s earthenware work has filled an enormous gap – all thanks to spending £5 on some raffle tickets.’