Describe your role at Robert Gordon.
A typical day could be described as playing in the mud! In my role, I get to design and develop original glazes for all of RG’s ceramic products. I also, research and identify the right raw materials and clays that make our products unique. In addition, I’m involved in testing and quality control, and most importantly supporting and assisting the wonderful people at RG.
What do you like best about your job?
I like many different aspects of my job; the most rewarding is working with the people at RG. Each employee has a practiced skill in the process of making pottery, and I enjoy working together as a team towards a shared goal, making pottery as easy as possible.
What I really enjoy is making new coloured glazes, underglazes and working on glaze combinations. One of the best parts of my job is waiting in anticipation on the outcome of new trials and experiments. Nothing beats cracking open the kiln door...
Can you describe a bit about the scientific process of making up a glaze formula. How do you achieve the colour you're after - are there 'happy accidents'?
Glaze formula development is always a considered process, with good glaze composition meeting the end requirements of function, durability, finish and fashion. Here at RG, all our products are fired to 1200 degrees cone 6, and our glazes are designed to perform at this temperature. What are glazes? Essentially, they are a coating fired onto the surface of clay to make the product more durable and beautiful. Our glazes are typically made from frits, feldspars, silica, and clays. The different glaze colours are achieved by adding various percentages of ceramic stains or oxides.
We make all our glazes in house by accurately weighing out the dry ingredients, then mixing with water to specific litre weights and viscosities. They are then applied to clay bisque and tested in the kiln, evaluated for finish and colour, before handing over to our glaze application team.
Yes, we can have ‘happy accidents’ however the difficulty is in understanding what has happened and then being able to reproduce this effect time and time again. Changes in raw materials and water content can make for very interesting glaze results. Our latest glaze Sapphire is the product of a raw material change. A beautiful happy accident!
Where else has your career taken you, what's your background?
Ceramics has always been a personal interest of mine that I have fortunately been able to make a career out of. It is the perfect blend of science and art! I have worked in the industry for over 25 years, starting in the Research and Design lab at Johnson Tiles, to working for the coatings manufacturer Ferro Corp. now Vibranz, in quality control, ceramic glaze and stain development.
What's your favourite glaze - current or archived?
The list is endless, but my current favourite glaze is Olive Green, it looks great on everything from a plate to a basin. A close second would be flowering gum, but it’s more of a glaze combination. I’m always interested to see all the creative ways our underglaze colours are used in our Paint Your Own Studio.
How long have you worked at Robert Gordon for?
I’ve been working here at RG for almost 4 years, as a Ceramic Engineer.
Do you have any pieces of RG pottery that are extra special to you?
My favourite RG piece is a Hug Mug that greets me every morning waiting to be filled with tea. I’m also lucky to have an original Orchard Blossom Platter that I love!
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work I love spending time with my family and being across the latest in ceramics.
