John Ffrench   (Ireland / USA   Decorative vessels)

I was born in Dublin of Irish and Italian parents. I studied design, drawing and calligraphy in the National College of Art in Dublin.

In Florence I studied ceramics in the Institute Statale d’Arte under the direction of Professor Bruno Pauli, and later I worked in the studio of Pericoli Brogi making one off pieces of ceramics for him.

Returned to Ireland and worked with Peter Brennan in the Ring Ceramic Studio in Kilkenny. Spent three years in India working in the Design Centre of West Bengal. Travelled extensively in India and Bangladesh.  Returned to Ireland and founded the Arklow Studio Pottery [a branch of Arklow Pottery ltd]

During this time I was closely associated with the Kilkenny Design Workshops, which at that time was just beginning to produce designers for various industries.

I now divide my time between Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and Kinvara, Co Galway. I have a ceramic studio in both places.

I have exhibited my work in Florence, Calcutta, Reykjavik, Galway, Kinsale and Stockbridge.