Ray Finch passed away today, peacefully at home aged 97. I met Ray a good few times over the years, but regrettably I never had the chance to really get to know him well - I wish I'd had more opportunity.
I know a lot about him though, through close friends whose lives he has touched. He was a greatly loved and respected man.
He was an exceptional craftsman and I owe a huge debt to him. It was after a visit to Winchcombe Pottery many years ago, that I decided I wanted to become a potter. There's a bit of him in every pot that I make.
His spirit will live on through the hands and minds of the many, many people whose lives he has enriched.
9 comments:
seconded.
A good example to us all
In his own quiet way he influenced the development of twentieth century studio pottery and provided a benchmark standard for those involved in producing domestic studio pottery
Doug you do have a beautiful way with your words as you do with your hands.
A great eulogy...
Thank you...
Well said Mr Fitch.
Amen, Doug. He was a great potter and a lovely man.
Very sad news, I do love Winchcombe pottery although I never had the pleasure of meeting Ray he has been a huge influence on me and many other potters. I'm sure he'll continue to inspire others for many years to come.
Indeed he was a great fellow...I too, met him many times and had afternoon tea there twice back in the late '90s..he invited me in to gis home on one accasion to see his Hamada bowl - pouring one i seem to recall - and he said it was a real thrill for him..he also had a couple of the slipware dishes made by Hamada, and all sorts of other wondrous slipware pots, going back to his early days..I will always remember him sitting at his wheel quietly throwing his wonderful chargers - he one day showed me how he made the little recessed lip so that one could hang the plate on a hook WITHOUT USING WIRE!! A great man and a real potter's potter..well said, Doug.
Well said, Doug. Ray Finch was a wonderful generous and modest man who was ready to share with anyone interested in pottery. I once mentioned that I liked Cardew's sgraffito and he showed me the family christening mugs in the kitchen, made by Michael Cardew. I have never forgotten that generosity and it has influenced my pottery. Let us hope that there will be a retrospective exhibition where we can remember his influence.
David Wicks
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