Mike Braisher self taught potter since the age of fourteen, when he was first introduced to the craft at school many years ago. A qualified teacher, has spent many early years teaching ceramics in several Further Education Centres in Hampshire and as a visiting potter has organised various courses for teachers and pupils in Hampshire schools.
Mike likes potting with stoneware and porcelain clays fired to cone ten in a reduction gas kiln. He retired early from teaching in order to become a full time potter. His studio is situated in the New Forest, where he produces individual fluted and domestic ware in the traditional style plus a range of very large pitchers and dishes.
Mike has recently joined London Potters but has also been long established with Southern Ceramic Group where he has served as treasurer and an exhibition organising committee member for several years.
This year has been particularly successful, with an invitation to exhibit at the prestigious Barn Galleries Artscene 2000. This was followed by his first solo exhibition at Bettles Gallery in Ringwood and a follow on at Poole Arts Centre. He was also invited to submit a group of pots to
Bonhams for inclusion in their sale of Contemporary Ceramics. These were subsequently auctioned through the Knightsbridge branch in July.
Presently he is spending time working towards The Wellbeloved Gallery’s “Premier” exhibition at Portland in April 2001, followed by Artscene 2001 in May at Henley. In 2002 he will be spending some time as a Potter in Residence at
Driving Creek Pottery and Railway in Coromandel working with Barry Brickell, one of New Zealand’s most foremost and respected potters.
Mike also designs and produces a range of highly individual pottery and sculpture tools made from selected English Yew and reclaimed tropical hardwoods collected during extensive world travelling. These are only available through The Old Bakehouse Gallery or by special order.
Work is available through local exhibitions, The Old Bakehouse and Bettles Galleries.There are examples of work in numerous private collections throughout the world.
