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Peace of Green - John Green

Opening Thursday 7 August, 6pm

Exhibition runs 8 August - 5 October 2008

Everyone who met John Green knew they were meeting someone pretty special. His smile was contagious, his laughter rumbled and his maroon beard . . . well, it matched his maroon shoes.

Although he was a butcher for 15 years, there was never really any doubt that the loveable, talented John Green would eventually burst through and lead the hugely creative life he did. In the late 1970s he exchanged his butchers knives for the potters wheel. But it wasn't long before he cast the wheel aside too and threw himself into creating hand-built sculptural ceramics - to the extent that he became a leading artist in the field and went on to inspire hundreds of students with his skills, generosity and humour.

John brought his incredibly fertile imagination and wizard-like practical skills together to produce a huge collection of fantasy creatures and characters. From dragons, witches, wizards and fairies, to cats, dogs, whales and mosquitoes - each with a distinct personality - each with a story to tell - all made with passion and love.

Potter, painter, musician, poet and cartoonist - John was a man with many friends and many collectors who have most generously lent us their treasured pieces to make this celebration exhibition happen. Over 100 of John's wonderful ceramic creatures will transform the gallery and bring a smile to your face.