Ceramicist Rich Miller, best known for being a judge on Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by University for the Creative Arts’ (UCA) at its graduation ceremony today at Royal Festival Hall.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts (DArt) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of ceramics and for highlighting the value of crafts.
In his acceptance speech, Rich said: “I congratulate you for choosing the Arts.
“Creativity has the unique power to communicate complex ideas, to challenge the status quo, and to stand at the forefront of shaping the society we live in. Use that power wisely.”
Rich graduated from UCA back in 2003 with a degree in ceramics, being taught by world-renowned ceramicist and UCA Chancellor, Dame Magdalene Odundo.
Rich added: “I grew up in an environment in the early eighties where being a minority often meant being made to feel ‘less than.’ Had UCA and teachers such as Chancellor Dame Magdalene Odundo, not taught me to question “why”, I wouldn’t have had the tools to unpack that. Curiosity gives you perspective, so keep asking questions of everything, stay open and say yes to the things that scare you.”
Rich’s early career began as owner of a bespoke stoneware tile company, Froyle Tiles, which saw him spend 19 years at the helm and work on major architectural collaborations including 24 Saville row, the Tate St Ives Pavillion and work with clients such as BBC, Nando’s and M&S.
Rich is most familiar as one of the judges on The Great Pottery Throw Down. He joined the show as a technician, but soon his talent for clay got him noticed and eventually earnt him the role of judge alongside Keith Brymer when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4. The TV show is now credited with inspiring fledgling potters up and down the country.
Most recently Rich exhibited his ceramics at his first solo exhibition, Fired Legacies, at Watts Gallery in Surrey. The show was a continuation of his studio practice, exploring his fascination with his heritage and British colonial history.
