Keith Brymer Jones, born on 3 June 1965 in London, is a distinguished British potter and ceramic designer. He is renowned for his ‘Word Range’ homeware, which features retro lettering and punk motifs. His passion for pottery ignited at the age of 11 when he crafted his first piece, an owl, solidifying his desire to pursue ceramics.
In his late teens, Keith briefly ventured into music as the lead singer of the punk band The Wigs. However, his dedication to pottery prevailed, leading him to apprentice at Harefield Pottery in London, where he honed his skills in modern ceramics. After completing his apprenticeship, Keith established his own studio in Highgate, producing handmade ceramics for prominent retailers such as Conran Group, Habitat, Barneys New York, Monsoon, Laura Ashley, and Heal’s.
Keith’s ‘Word Range’ was inspired by his fascination with the shapes of words, a perspective influenced by his dyslexia. He describes working with clay, shape, and form as a natural affinity resulting from his condition. Beyond his creations, Keith serves as the Head of Design for MAKE International, collaborating with designers like Jane Foster, Scion Living, Hokolo, and Becky Baur.
In 2015, Keith gained widespread recognition as an expert judge on BBC2’s “The Great Pottery Throw Down,” where his emotional responses to contestants’ work endeared him to audiences. He continued in this role as the show transitioned to More4 in 2020 and Channel 4 in 2021.
Keith is married to actress Marj Hogarth, known for her roles in productions such as “M.I.High,” “Still Game,” and “The Karen Dunbar Show.” The couple resides in Margate. Keith has a son named Ned from a previous marriage.
In 2022, Keith published his autobiography, “Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything,” offering insights into his journey from a punk band frontman to a celebrated figure in modern ceramics.
In September 2022, Keith and Marj purchased Capel Salem, a derelict Grade II listed chapel in Pwllheli, North Wales. Built in 1862, the chapel had been on the market for 12 years before they acquired it for £200,000. Their ambitious plan involves transforming the 8,500-square-foot building into their residence, a pottery studio, and a community space.
The restoration journey is documented in the Channel 4 series “Our Welsh Chapel Dream,” which premiered in May 2024. The four-part series showcases the challenges they face, including structural issues like dry rot, pigeon infestations, and the absence of utilities, as well as their efforts to integrate into the local community.
Throughout the renovation, Keith and Marj have emphasized preserving the chapel’s historical features while adapting it for modern use. Their vision includes creating a working pottery studio and maintaining the main chapel hall as an event space to serve the local community.
Their endeavor has garnered significant attention, with local residents offering support and volunteers stepping forward to assist with the restoration. The project not only reflects their personal commitment to craftsmanship and heritage but also highlights the importance of community engagement in preserving historical landmarks.
“Our Welsh Chapel Dream” is available for streaming on Channel 4’s platform, providing viewers with an intimate look at the highs and lows of such a monumental restoration project.
This project exemplifies Keith Brymer Jones’s dedication to his craft and his passion for historical spaces, blending artistic vision with community spirit.