About Chris

Following an apprenticeship at Farnham Potteries, Wrecclesham, Chris Lewis moved to South Heighton near Newhaven in Sussex in 1976, where he joined Ursula Mommens who had established the pottery there in 1951. Over the years Chris converted the old farm buildings into a workshop and showroom, and the surrounding garden has become a beautiful setting for outside exhibitions.

Chris fires his work in a large, single chamber ‘anagama’ kiln based on a design that has been in use all over the Far East for hundreds of years. Firings take place once each year in the Spring and last for around five days. In this kiln the firewood is often in direct contact with the pots, which get covered in ash and embers during the course of the firings. This method of firing, although unpredictable, can often result in beautiful rich surface colour and texture that gives the work a distinctly archaeological character.

It’s his interest in archaeology and the artefacts made by vanished or disappearing cultures that has an abiding influence on Chris Lewis’ work. Regular visits to the ethnographic departments of museums and frequent travel to Africa, Asia and America, where he makes a point of searching out fellow makers, have informed and nourished his own work throughout his career.

Chris has exhibited in galleries and shows throughout the UK and Europe, but these days he sells his work almost exclusively at the three ‘Open House’ shows that are held at South Heighton Pottery annually.