GALLERY

RICHARD GODFREY

Olympic winner! Yes, it’s true! Richard Godfrey is an Olympic medallist winning Bronze at Athens 2004 Olympics for his teapot “Fenix”. Little publicized in Britain was an exhibition of ceramics to mark the opening of the games as organised by the International Olympic Committee, the European Union and The Pan Hellenic Potters Association. Not bad for someone who in his own words took up ceramics at an evening class because he was at a loose end.

Originally on the road to becoming an architect with a background in Physics and Maths, Richard chanced doing a part time ceramics course to pursue a childhood pastime in “messing about with clay” after his exams. It was this course that made up his mind to change direction and enrol on an art foundation course at Plymouth where he found two inspirational teachers who gave him a strong sense of self-belief to pursue his new found passion to degree level at Bristol School of Art.

At Bristol Richard learnt all that is vital in his craft and is happy to remember his time spent there where visiting lecturers included David Leach and Michael Cardew. Like many art students, Richard found it difficult to find employment in his chosen field and took to teaching becoming Head of Art at an International Boarding School in Devon. Since then, however, Richard has fought against the odds to open a very successful studio workshop where he makes “domestic-ware with attitude”.

Instantly recognisable and unique, Richard makes fantastically bright and jazzy shaped bowls, teapots, vases and mugs that appeal to all ages as his work has an outstanding sense of humour that combines that all -important functionality. We are very happy to have Richard’s work at Rooksmoor as it so full of joy.