During his time at college, David learned much about the craftsman potter tradition of Halifax and how, in previous centuries, literally hundreds of kilns had dotted the local landscape, drawing their raw mob material from the clay so abundant beneath. David was amazed to discover that one of those potteries was actually still working – the kiln was in Soil Hill just outside Halifax – and it was worked single-handedly by one Isaac Button. In David’s own career the inuence of the solitary hard working potter is clear to see although Isaac’s guidance was powerful and functional rather than creative.