An Interview with Hal Haines Studio

Words and Photography by Ariana Ruth

Before you launched Hal Haines Studio you were a photographer and a model, had you always had the idea that you wanted to work with ceramics?

I’ve always been drawn to hands on making. I did a product design GCSE and a year of ceramics at school but when I moved for A-Levels neither were an option and my focus had to shift for a bit. I had gotten really into photography when I was 13/14 and because that was something I could work on independently (without needing facilities and technicians) I was able to throw myself at it. I was shooting as my full-time-freelance gig up until last year, but I always intended on getting back into making eventually. Just before the pandemic I had reached out to ceramicist Kate Schuricht, who had taught me how to slip cast when I was at school, and we organised a couple of weekend sessions for mould making and casting. I’m not sure what would have happened next, in an alternate no-corona reality, but in the subsequent lockdown I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be mentored by Kate and continue making (as we live 5 minutes away from each other here on the Sussex/Kent border) and launched Hal Haines Studio in October.

Do you think there are any advantages to being based in Rye as opposed to a city like London?

Yes, I’ve tried both and I’ve really fallen in love with the countryside option. Since moving back to where I grew up the fresh air hits different. I go for a walk most days, in the woods or by the sea, it's just so peaceful everywhere. There's an amazing community of local creatives here too, as well as lovely independent shops and restaurants. Ticks all my boxes!

Why platters?

My interest in drawing and image making came even earlier than 3D making, and so the two go hand in hand for me. I wanted to make pieces that would lend themselves to elaborate surface decoration, which the flat panels of the platter are perfect for.

When choosing the shape and style for your platters, was there a reference that you had in mind?

I wanted to reference my Grandma Ann’s serve ware on which she presented her terrific Sunday roasts. They were such a spectacle in the middle of the lunch table, and delicious - the roast potatoes were unparalleled - a fond memory from my childhood. I used to visit the V&A ceramics gallery a lot when I was living in London, especially if I was in a bit of a rut, and their collection of painted Italian plates were definitely an influence.

Where do you look for inspiration?

Everywhere. I love a bit of visual storytelling, so finding a narrative I can draw from is a great starting point - whether as literally as finding a fictional or historical text I like, or watching a series of events unfold in the garden (bird politics or seasonal change for example) I used to travel quite a lot for work and I like reflecting on places I’ve been to as well (having terabytes of photos for reference helps of course) 

What do you use your platters for?

Serving on special occasions, in honour of Grandma Ann, but something you can wipe clean rather than a sticky beef joint or eton mess! An arrangement of jam tarts perhaps.

What's your cooking style?

Organised chaos; chaotic but I wash up as I go.

How has food influenced your work?

Food, in particular fruits and vegetables, is one of the motifs I like to use when designing. Besides referencing Sunday lunch, one of my first ranges - ‘Little Bacchus’ - was inspired by the ancient Roman feasting festivals of Bacchanalia.

How can we buy your pieces?

I sell through my website www.halhaines.studio and stockists. You can follow me on Instagram @halhaines.studio to see when/where I’m selling and to keep up to date with new projects.

Anything exciting that you're working on at the moment?

I actually have a few lovely projects on at the moment. I am working on another collection for Paul Smith, I will be making platters as part of a gallery show in October, and a capsule collection of fruit bowls for Steffan Studio which I’m very excited about!

What's your go-to meal when working in your studio?

There’s a great Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall one-pan recipe with kale, parsnips, chorizo and puy lentils which I make a lot - throwing everything in is very appealing for a work day. I’m in a bit of a coffee-tonic phase at the moment too, with ice and a mint leaf.

Any future plans for Hal Haines Studio that you'd like to share?

Though currently I’m still working with Kate to cast and fire the pieces, and decorating them at home, my Dad and I are building the Studio of Hal Haines Studio, which is very exciting. Having my own kiln will allow for more hand-building and carving into the pieces before they’re fired, as with Little Bacchus. I have stopped making work like that for the moment as it’s a bit risky driving fragile, dry clay across the steam railway tracks!

Can you share some of your favourite places to eat in Rye with us?

The food scene in Rye has changed a bit over the last couple of years - with the fire at The George particularly - but I love some of the classic spots like Hayden’s and the Rye Deli, as well as newer additions like The White House for cakes and Rae for coffee. Outside of Rye, nearer to where I live, Tillingham vineyard has a great setup with a restaurant, rooms and pizza in the Dutch barn.