Hackney, Russell
Item
Maker Name
Hackney, Russell
Studio name
Russell Hackney Ceramics
Marks
Biography
Family of master ceramicists
Apprentice at age 16 Brunswick Ceramic Services
2002 – emigrated to Canada – Russell Hackney Ceramics holds a BA in 3D Design
Russell Hackney was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, an area commonly known as The Potteries .(home of famed ceramics eg Royal Doulton, Spode,Wedgwood) Hackney is the third generation of Master Ceramists: his grandfather worked in a Potbank,(a factory) and his father worked as a modeller and mould-maker at various factories. His father started his own company, Brunswick Ceramic Services. Russell joined the Bruswick at age 16, and learned to model shapes and embossment designs for a variety of clients, including modelling a replica 19th Century clock, presented to the Queen in 1999.
Russell took 3 years away from the family business for his fine arts degree and then after 15 years working in Stoke, he and his wife Wendy immigrated to Canada in 2002, and opened Russell Hackney Ceramics in Vancouver, where he produces a signature collection of ceramics, personal works, custom designs and provides mould-making services.
Russell's practice differs from most of the ceramicists represented in this Registry, as plaster is his primary material. He works first creating moulds for casting - a highly technical and precise practice. He starts with casting a plaster form to be shaped on a lathe. From the lathed shape he makes the master-mould, and additional pouring moulds. Clay is finally brought into the equation as a liquid slip and once the slip is poured and removed from the mould, a pot is born. Russell has a special line of pots where intricate designs have been carved (an embossing) into the plaster. The effect is almost like sprigging, - an applique on the surface of the pot - but embossing has a much more refined and subtle effect. Russell intentionally keeps his glazing process simple in order to emphasize form and in particular his detailed embossed 'drawings'.
Apprentice at age 16 Brunswick Ceramic Services
2002 – emigrated to Canada – Russell Hackney Ceramics holds a BA in 3D Design
Russell Hackney was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, an area commonly known as The Potteries .(home of famed ceramics eg Royal Doulton, Spode,Wedgwood) Hackney is the third generation of Master Ceramists: his grandfather worked in a Potbank,(a factory) and his father worked as a modeller and mould-maker at various factories. His father started his own company, Brunswick Ceramic Services. Russell joined the Bruswick at age 16, and learned to model shapes and embossment designs for a variety of clients, including modelling a replica 19th Century clock, presented to the Queen in 1999.
Russell took 3 years away from the family business for his fine arts degree and then after 15 years working in Stoke, he and his wife Wendy immigrated to Canada in 2002, and opened Russell Hackney Ceramics in Vancouver, where he produces a signature collection of ceramics, personal works, custom designs and provides mould-making services.
Russell's practice differs from most of the ceramicists represented in this Registry, as plaster is his primary material. He works first creating moulds for casting - a highly technical and precise practice. He starts with casting a plaster form to be shaped on a lathe. From the lathed shape he makes the master-mould, and additional pouring moulds. Clay is finally brought into the equation as a liquid slip and once the slip is poured and removed from the mould, a pot is born. Russell has a special line of pots where intricate designs have been carved (an embossing) into the plaster. The effect is almost like sprigging, - an applique on the surface of the pot - but embossing has a much more refined and subtle effect. Russell intentionally keeps his glazing process simple in order to emphasize form and in particular his detailed embossed 'drawings'.
First name
Russell
Last name
Hackney
Place of Birth
Stoke-on-Trent, England
Studio location
Formal Education
Personal Website
Links to Further Resources
2022 https://www.nwcf.ca/russell-hackney-making-in-the-history/
Source
Debra E. Sloan
Item sets
Linked resources
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