THE MAKERS LUNCH

6 JULY

WALTER KEELER

We have now held a number of these events and all have been much enjoyed, however this lunch with such an eminent maker was exceptional.

I was delighted when Walter agreed to join us, not only because of his international reputation, but, having known him for a long time, I knew that he would talk openly and freely about his work and  decades of experience.

In the Gallery, Walter talked eloquently about the fine group of his pots we have featured this month – salt-glaze and earthenware – and almost every vessel enabled him to describe his approach to making and interestingly how a number of his glazes were developed over time. What was evident from the outset was the extent to which he thinks through the making process and reviews the options at each step in the making. This may be getting the right colour and texture of glaze or ensuring the clay body is appropriate and facilitating.

It became very clear that notwithstanding his years of experience, he continues to experiment and develop his work. This is, in many ways a function of his undying creative spirit, which has remained with him since he was a boy. For the makers round the lunch table he provided valuable insights into making, glazing and firing his work. For the non-makers, he impressed with the clarity of his descriptions and importantly the sheer amount of time that is devoted to making – making work of such quality and originality that is.

It was particularly fascinating to hear him explain how the large extruded jug on show was made. Extruding on that scale and diameter is technically tricky and clearly it took him time to work through ways in which shape and form could be sustained through the extrusion and subsequent processes. The result speaks for itself. It is a magnificent piece of his finest salt-glaze ceramic.

Teaching has always been an important part of his ceramic life and he gave a number of insights into the mutuality of the teaching environment – learning from it himself as well as clearly giving support advice and insights to his pupils.

Notwithstanding his international reputation and his undoubted skills in making and design, Walter's modesty and readiness to learn is always apparent. Whilst it may be a cliché that his work speaks for him, I have to say that he adds so much in his conversation which leads to even greater understanding of the man and his fine work.

Thanks once again to Walter for a memorable two hours.

Stuart Dickens

Ceramic Curator

July 2018

   The Next Maker's Lunch is with
Ben Arnup  on Saturday 4th August

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