Dec 16, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec 16, 2024, 12:00 AM

Glynn Hugo becomes a renowned potter in the UK and beyond

Highlights
  • Glynn Hugo created a distinctive style of pottery recognized internationally.
  • He taught ceramics before transforming his passion into a flourishing career after moving to Suffolk.
  • Hugo's legacy of art lives on through his numerous exhibitions and the pieces in prestigious collections.
Story

Glynn Hugo, a talented potter known for crafting pieces that blended sculpture and tableware, passed away at the age of 89. Born to a working-class family in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, he was exposed to artistry early on, even creating pots from Plasticine as a child. After gaining a National Diploma in Design and a teaching certificate from the Burton School of Art, he taught pottery for over a decade before deciding to focus solely on his artistic career. With a makeshift studio in his garden shed, he began selling his works, which were celebrated for their unique hand-thrown design using stoneware, porcelain, and basalt clays. In 1972, Hugo and his wife Josephine Banfield moved to Darsham in Suffolk, transforming a village shop into their home, studio, and showroom. His pottery gained international recognition, showcasing in exhibitions across Japan, Germany, Hungary, South Africa, and the United States. His accolades included a prestigious award in Italy, and one of his vases was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York. Inspired by his experiences, especially from workshops in Poland, he created darker themes reflecting oppression and suffering. Hugo enjoyed working in a casual atmosphere, favoring an open-necked white shirt while listening to Wagner during his creative sessions. Although the couple did not have children, they cherished the joy of interacting with others' kids, maintaining a nurturing presence in the community. Following the death of his wife Josephine in 2019, he chose not to continue his studio work, although he remained a vibrant social companion, known for his remarkable memory and enthusiasm for football, particularly supporting Burnley. Till his last days, Hugo took an interest in current affairs, delighting in the political changes within his constituency that occurred recently, marking a historic shift. He leaves behind a second cousin, Kevin, and a rich legacy encapsulated in his stunning pottery that continues to resonate with art enthusiasts around the globe.

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