A RHAYADER potter who has exhibited his art around the globe has published his fifth book about the art form.
Phil Rogers has lived and worked in Rhayader since 1978 but his pottery on the edge of town is still a very well-kept secret.
“I’ve lived in Rhayader for 34 years and people still have trouble finding me,” laughed Phil, who opened his first pottery on Bridge Street in 1978.
Despite his rural lifestyle, Phil’s pots can be found in museums around the world, from London’s V&A to the Boston Museum of Fine Art in the USA.
His latest book is a retrospective on his career with essays by esteemed ceramics writers from - as you would expect with Phil - across the globe. It includes technical details about the pots he has made and photographs of some of the pots which have inspired him over the years.
Speaking about his set-up at Marston Pottery at Lower Cefnfaes, Phil said: “I’ve got everything I need here. I have three kilns, a two-chambered wood fired kiln and another two oil-fired kilns. Each has its own chimney so you need to be slightly out of town.
“The pottery itself is a restored stone cow shed and we have two showrooms here which are open all the time,” said Phil. “Just give us a call if you’re travelling a long way.”
Phil’s career as a writer started in 1992 when his first book ‘Ash Glazes’ went on to sell 20,000 copies and has become something of a bible on the subject.
Now releasing his fifth book, Phil describes ceramics - and high-temperature fired stoneware in particular - as something he felt an instant affinity with while training to become an art teacher in Swansea.
“I’ve been very lucky and gone around the world with this job,” said Phil, who has visited Korea, Israel, Ethiopia and Japan among others. “Having your pieces permanently in museums reaffirms your artistic credibility.”
To pick up a copy of the book or to visit the kilns, contact Phil on 01597 810875 or visit www.philrogerspottery.com