A GIFTED potter has launched an exhibit at the gallery that gave him his first big break more than 35 years ago.

Martin Griffiths, aged 63, who trained at the Victoria Institute, then part of Worcester Technical College, was featured in the Worcester Evening News in 1981 after exhibiting his work at Worcester City Art Gallery.

His display was set up with help from museum curator Garston Phillips, who is now an ambassador for the museum.

Now, after more than three decades, Martin, who still uses his first ever potter's wheel, is back at his old stomping ground showing off and selling his wares.

Martin said: "It is just right back from where I started. I still have the fact I exhibited my work here on my CV- by having my work at the museum I was picked up by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery."

From there Martin went on to display his art in London at the Casson Gallery and Oxford Gallery, spreading the word about his time in Worcester.

He added: "Now, I am back here making pottery. It is nice to go back to it again."

His work features a selection of recent pieces, which have been thrown on the wheel and decorated with sgraffito decoration and brushed coloured slips and glazes.

Every piece is unique, the decoration is drawn on and individually cut and carved without the use of stencils before having layers of coloured clay slips applied.

It is a contemporary version of traditional British earthenware techniques.

Martin takes inspiration from the natural shapes and images he first drew while growing up in his native village of Suckley.

Following his success in Worcester, Martin established a studio and workshop in the Brewery Arts, Cirencester.

He now lives in Tewkesbury and has continued to make pots while also painting, teaching and working as a writer and photographer for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Life.

The exhibition runs in the Foregate Street Museum until the end of July before moving to the Commandary in Sidbury until September 31.

For more information go to martingriffiths.org.uk/Site/About%20Me.html.