Matthew Harrison
Head of Design for Wedgwood, Matthew Harrison, completed the Foundation in Art & Design course at Bradford College in 1991.
“My passion for ceramics began at Rhodesway
Upper School whilst studying for an A level
in ceramics, leaving in 1990 to further my
education on the Foundation course at Bradford
College.
It was my first opportunity to experience a fun
creative environment that gave me the freedom
and space to experiment with new materials
and techniques.
I remember the sculpture
tutor expressing his thoughts that ceramicists
were mad to labour over beautiful works of art
to only then put it in a kiln taking the risk of
unpredictable results...for me the very thing that
makes ceramics exciting!
The Foundation course enabled me to
experiment in different mediums, especially
photography, and helped to broaden my
design experience, allowing me to gain the
opportunity of studying at Glasgow School of
Art, where I graduated with First Class Honours
in my BA (Hons) Design (Ceramics) degree in
1994. Whilst at Glasgow, I spent time with the
Copenhagen School of Design, which gave me
a wider insight into European design.”
Following a further 2 years of industrial ceramic
Masters study at Staffordshire University,
Matt gained invaluable experience at Halle
University in Germany; on a student placement,
with Kalha in Germany and also working for
Queensbury Hunt Design Consultancy in
London. Matt then took on a freelance contract
with Wedgwood specialising in shape design,
which evolved into a full time position in 1999.
Working extensively with the Far East markets
in the early years lead to a Senior Designer
role with special responsibility for Japan. This
moved into a wider design management role in
2006, progressing to Head of Wedgwood and
Johnson Brothers’ design in 2007.
“The seductive power of the Wedgwood brand
never fails to capture my imagination to create
beautiful objects. I hope to continue to divide
my time between my love for ceramics and a
love for hill walking and photography.”
Photograph supplied by Wedgwood