Jon Whitten
Jon trained at Eastbourne College of Art, then studied at the University of East Anglia under Professor Andrew Martindale, where he gained a BA Hons in History of Art and Architecture in 1977. He completed a PGCE at London Institute of Education in 1978 where he specialized in Art History and Ceramics, which he studied under William Newland.
After qualifying as a teacher he served a two year apprenticeship with Bernard Leach's younger son, Michael, and was asked to become the Yelland Pottery manager. Here he developed his skills in repetition throwing in stoneware to Michael's exacting standards. Jon then worked for CPA member, Roger Cockram for a year at Northcott Pottery, Ashreigney in Devon, where he helped build a large woodfired kiln.
He established his own workshop in Leicestershire in 1983, was a member of the Leicestershire Guild of Craftsmen, and also taught Art and Ceramics in Derby and Leicester Tertiary Colleges.
In 1989 Jon moved to Cornwall with his wife and two sons. He became head of Art at Sir James Smith's Community School in Camelford where he taught school students and adult evening class groups as well as running courses for teachers, Raku workshops at Sterts Arts Centre, and childrens workshops at the Indian King Art Centre in Camelford.
In 1996 he established his present workshop at Hale Farm in St Kew, which is now housed in a large green oak barn set in 3.6 acres of grounds along with the farmhouse and four self catering holiday cottages.
Jon is the co- founder of the Cornwall Ceramics and Glass Group which was established in 2004 to provide a showcase for a wide range of ceramicists and glass makers in the county.
Jon has exhibited widely, including:
The Westminster Theatre, London
The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Taunton
the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey
The Burton Art Gallery, Bideford
Leicester City Museum and Art Gallery
Rutland Museum and Art Gallery
Derby Cathedral Gallery
County Hall, Truro
Indian King Arts Centre, Camelford
Tregony Gallery at Trewithen
The Saltings Gallery, Wadebridge
The Glasshouse, Truro
Fowey River Gallery, Fowey
Ceramica 2002
Prideaux Place, Padstow
