Swanson Peter

Peter Swanson, born 1950

Peter began working in potteries from 1967 in between travelling to various parts of the world and absorbing different cultures. In 1974 he moved to St. Ives, Cornwall helping his family establish a pottery on the Penbeagle Estate.

Self taught, he established his own pottery in 1976 working in earthenware. Over the years his method of working has evolved, he now works in reduction fired stoneware and porcelain, specialising in specific varieties of individual ash glazes.

Peter uses a self-built gas fired reduction kiln of some 36 cu.ft. for both domestic and individual pieces. He built an ‘anagama’ or traditional Japanese wood fired kiln in 2004 which has enabled him to explore surface decoration that is not possible in a gas kiln.

From 2013 to 2014, Peter was on the Board of the Leach Pottery in St. Ives.

His work is sold at his studio near Penzance and at various galleries and exhibitions.