Artist Information
Artist
Robin Hopper RCA, OC (1939-2017)Role
CeramicistDate made
n.d.Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
CERAMICIST BIOGRAPHY
Born in England, Robin Hopper was an internationally known British-Canadian potter, teacher, author, garden designer and arts activist. He trained at Croydon College of Art, south London (1956-1961), and developed studios in both England and later Canada, after he immigrated there in 1968. He taught at Toronto’s Central Technical School, and then set up and headed the Ceramics and Glass Department at Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario. In 1972 he decided to devote himself full-time to his work in ceramics. In 1997, he relocated to Victoria, B.C., becoming the first recipient of the Bronfman Award, Canada’s most prestigious annual award in the crafts. With his wife Judi Dyelle, Hopper co-founded Chosin Pottery, one of the oldest continuing potteries on the southern end of Vancouver Island.
Hopper’s work in ceramics over 55 years included considerable historical and technical research, and ongoing studio work with one-of-a-kind art works, mostly in porcelain clay. With Dyelle, Hopper founded the annual exhibition “Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay”, and the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts both of which continue to this day. He authored a number of publications and videos on pottery design, throwing, decoration, etc., as well as his own biography. He wrote many articles in major international ceramics publications. One of his other life-long passions was gardening - his “Anglojapanadian Garden" at Chosin Pottery has been featured in publications and on television.
Hopper taught throughout Canada, and in England, U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan and Israel. His ceramic work is held in public, corporate and private collections throughout the world. Just before his passing he received the Order of Canada. He was also an honourary member of the U.S. National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. His archive is held by the University of Victoria Libraries.
