St. Ives Gaolyard Pottery Studios - - SAM HALL POTTER POTTERY STUDIO TO LET Raku Fired TATE GALLERY ST IVES

Roelof spent two years studying the fine arts at East London Technical College, East London, South Africa (achieving a distinction in Ceramics). "When I started my career as a full-time potter, I experimented with different techniques until I could finally start my own unique line of domestic ware. For a while I was employed as a porcelain thrower (and during this time I learnt new techniques). .

I was also employed as the resident potter in a popular craft shop in Knysna for a time. This shop was a top tourist destination in South Africa and my position there demanded close and frequent interaction with the customers.

My own line of high-fired decorative ceramics and domestic ware proved extremely popular. Public demonstrations of throwing and other skills were required.

Next I was able to set up my own studio in Cape Town - and this allowed me to continue with my own line, expanding and improving the range. I initially sold the work at markets, but shops and galleries very quickly became clients. As the demand for the range grew, I employed two assistants. During this time I served on the Board of the Western Cape Association of Potters, South Africa.

At this point I left South Africa to gain more experience in England. Initially I was employed by the Four Seasons Pottery, where I worked as a freelance thrower (May to December, 1998), specialising in garden pots - and I also introduced a new line of work similar to that produced in South Africa.

In 1999 I moved to St Ives, Cornwall and took up a place in the Gaolyard studios where I now continue to produce my own dustinct range of high quality, decorative pottery."