Pottery and Ceramic Artist

Born in Nigeria in 1953, Tony grew up in Benin, centre of the distinctive Bini culture that developed unhindered by Islamic or Western influence, a region famed for its bronze work, woodcarving and pottery. He was inspired to take up pottery by watching his grandmother make vases. A famous potter, she gave him a solid grounding in the art of ceramics, as well as some well-received pocket money for his increasingly promising efforts. It was on finishing his A’ Levels that Tony made the conscious decision to follow up on this childhood inspiration. “My father and grandfather were blacksmiths, the family name means ‘son of a blacksmith’. My dad went into engineering on the railways but I went in a very different direction, into art,” he says. “It wasn’t acceptable at that time, because as the first child I was supposed to keep up the tradition. Only women in Africa make vases or are involved in the arts. It’s looked down on if a man does it.”

Despite this, Tony moved to the UK in 1976 with a scholarship to study ceramics at the Central School in London, and was awarded his Bachelor of Arts three years later. He then returned home to Nigeria to blend his pottery training with traditional Bini techniques to create a unique style of his own, for which he is now internationally renowned. “Over the years I have experimented,” he says. “For me it’s like a marriage of cultures, being both African and from the artistic background of Benin. I have combined the two together in my work.”

Tony’s approach means he doesn’t use any hi-tech equipment, preferring to embrace the personal and tactile feel of his materials. His ‘Iyo-Oba vases and bowls’ use traditional smoked firing and glazing techniques, creating beautiful sleek effects that prove very aesthetically satisfying. Tony also works across all styles - abstract, ritualistic and industrial - he doesn’t mind which just so long as the work is challenging. “I aim to break down barriers in my work,” he says. “My practice is important in educating local and central government in Nigeria about the many jobs the ceramic industry can create, really helping to empower young people.”

Now patron of the Nigerian Ceramics Association, and founder of ‘Heritage Ceramics’, Tony is a sought-after lecturer in both Britain and Africa. His workshops and classes in schools and colleges to further the cause of both ceramics and multi-culturalism are widely admired. His knowledge of the traditional crafts of Benin is unsurpassed, and his lectures include discussions on drawing, pottery, photography and sculpture, highlighting essential aspects of Bini culture such as technology, food and religion.

Tony was influenced by the practice of famous potter Michael Cardew from Cornwall, who travelled to Nigeria to promote traditional ceramic techniques in the 1950’s. “Looking at him, I want to do exactly the same thing,” says Tony. “I came to Britain on my own and set up the first registered ceramics company in the UK. I have not only produced my own work but have also promoted my art in schools, colleges and within the community. I feel proud of that.”

The flexibility Tony achieves in working with ceramics is key to their appeal. “You can create ceramics to make statements, perhaps even to get a laugh if the viewer has the right sense of humour,” says Tony. “In Africa, pottery and ceramics come alive, being used for spiritual figures or at shrines, or perhaps as masks used to invite people to a ceremony. Pottery is very functional as you can literally shape its uses.”

Tony Ogogo’s ceramic skills will be put to good use after his current collection too, with plans for future abstract work combining sculpture with vases. “I regularly produce,” he says, “and I change my work every three years.”

To view samples of Tony’s work click on the Gallery. To see his current collection click here.

If you would like to view his work in person, click on Events to find out where his work is showing next.