Harris Manchester would like to congratulate alumnus, Dr Robin Wilson (2011, MSc Visual Anthropology), on receiving the Ambassador’s Commendation by Japanese Ambassador Hayashi Hajime earlier this year. Dr Wilson was recognised for his work at the kilns to promote and raise awareness of this ancient Japanese technique. The kilns were built in 2015, with the help of a resident artist at Wytham Studio.
A ceremony to bestow the Commendation was hosted by the Ambassador of Japan and Madame Hayashi at the Ambassador’s residence in London. Dr Wilson has, over recent years, led an innovative and unique project that brings together established artists, community groups and school students to explore the techniques and distinctive decorative effect of Japanese anagama firings.
Dr Wilson is the Director of Oxford University Japanese Kilns and organised the official opening of ‘Ash, Ember, Flame: a Japanese Kiln in Oxford’ exhibition last year. The exhibition contained a selection of ceramics fired in the Anagama kiln at Oxford University Kilns in Wytham Woods. Read more about the exhibition here.
We would like to offer our thanks to artist Peter Sparrey, for his generous donation of an outstanding example of modern studio pottery, which is now on display in the SCR. Fired using a traditional anagama kiln, it was originally part of the exhibition ‘Ash, Ember, Flame: a Japanese Kiln in Oxford’.
