A LEADING Welsh ceramics artist has returned to his valley’s roots. After many years travelling and being based in countries ranging from Sweden to Egypt, Sean Redwood-Thomas has once more settled in the Sirhowy valley opening a studio in Woodfieldside, near Blackwood.
Sean Redwood-Thomas is a famous name you’ve probably not heard, although you are probably familiar with his work. As one of the UK’s leading ceramic artists Sean’s work is familiar to one and all, with one of his recent commissions being for the Royal Mint to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. “I have worked many times for the Royal Mint, with the consultancy work I undertook for the 2012 Olympics being something I am particularly proud,” says Sean.
Risca born and Crosskeys bred Sean Redwood-Thomas studied at Crosskeys College, Newport Art School and trained at Brighton Art College. At the latter he studied 3D Design, majoring in Ceramics, although he has gained a great deal of experience, and still produces work in a variety of mediums, including wood and metal. “I am very proud of trying to use as much recycled material in my work as possible and have specialised in Raku for some years now,” adds Sean. “The world has finite resources, and through my work, I like to highlight out need to reuse and make the best possible use of materials.”
A varied career has seen Sean work in Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Sweden, as well as a variety of locations throughout the UK. As a consultant with The Royal Mint, Sean has been commissioned to make unique plasters for London 2012 Olympics, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 and King Charles’ Coronation in 2023.
As well as his ceramics and design work, Sean is the man behind such famous brands as Sportscast, Kidscast, Reglassify and Paws for Dinners. The former has seen Sean work with some of the world’s leading sports personalities through Sportscast, including Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Sir Steve Redgrave, Martin Johnson and Sir Gareth Edwards, amongst many others.
Despite Sean’s globetrotting and international work, when it came to establishing his own studio there was only one place Sean could choose. “I am a man of Gwent and my formative years were spent in the Sirhowy Valley. When I realised that I wanted to establish my own studio and concentrate on producing the work that inspires me, I knew I had to return home.
“I was able to acquire a cottage and facilities for a studio that would enable me to find inspiration from the people and natural beauty of the area. They say there is no place like home, and for me, as a proud Welshman, that is certainly true. Furthermore, as the studio grows, the premises will be able to grow with my work,” concludes Sean.
Sean-Redwood-Thomas Design is now accepting interesting commissions as well as providing a wide selection of Sean’s inspiring work in a variety of mediums for sale. In the near future, there are plans to create a show and display room to share Sean’s work.
