Rob Whelpton

Rob Whelpton was born in Hartlepool in 1952. He trained at North Staffordshire Polytechnic, qualifying in the art of ceramics in 1974. After college Rob spent time in Botswana and Denmark until 1983 when returned to England. He initially worked as trainee at Dart Pottery. Then in 1985 he established his own pottery and sculpture workshop.

Whelpton has created a distinctive style of ceramic sculpture. His pieces are patterned with motifs of birds, animals, boats and fish -combining beauty and skill with a strong element of humour. He uses the Raku process, firing each art piece outdoors. The crackling of the glazes and vibrant colours of each sculpture is achieved by taking the red hot sculptures straight from the kiln and placing them in sawdust, which ignites with the heat, further charring the unglazed areas. Changing humidity and temperature means each sculpture takes on a different and unexpected finish. His sculptures are coloured using slips and metallic salts and he often enhances his sculptures using gold leaf.

Education

1971 – 74                     Diploma Art and Design, North Staffordshire Polytechnic
1974 – 75                     National Museum and Art Gallery, Gaberones, Botswana
1975 – 83                     Lived and worked in Denmark
1983 – 85                     Worked at Dartington Pottery, Devon
1985 – 89                     Set up Workshop at Salisbury- Resident Potter at Salisbury Arts Centre

Selected Exhibitions

2000, ’02, ’06, ’08, ’10, ’12  ’17  ’19    Solo Exhibition, Beaux Arts Bath

1999
Ceramicists of Fame and Promise, Beaux Arts Bath

1998
Summer Exhibition, Beaux Arts Bath

1987
Art and Furniture Exhibition – Frome, Somerset
Raku-fired Ceramics Exhibition – Higher Street Gallery, Dartmouth,  Devon

1986
Raku Fired Ceramics Exhibition – Salisbury Arts Centre
Summer Exhibition , Beaux Arts Bath

Other Selected Exhibitions

Simon Drew Gallery – Dartmouth
Montpellier Gallery – Stratford on Avon
Chelsea Craft Fair
Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
60 Years of Pottery Exhibition  – Cider Press
Gallery, Dartington