Geoffrey Whiting trained as an architect, in Birmingham. Whilst posted as an army officer in India he spent time working with traditional potters. In 1955 he returned to England and established the Avoncroft Pottery in Worcestershire, making functional production wares. He moved to Canterbury in 1972, where he founded St Augustines' Pottery. Whiting worked within the Leach tradition of oriental stonewares, also making individual one-off pieces. This vase was donated by his son in 1995, specifically to represent this aspect of Whiting's work. It's simplified form, use of rich tenmoku glaze and quiet restraint are fully characteristic of his work.