Yellow Sunflowers by Mr Ben

Benjamin Hall – otherwise known as Mr Ben – is a ceramicist, painter and songwriter. After teaching himself in an old barn next to his childhood home, the unmistakable imprint of the fells and valleys of his native Westmorland became indelibly furrowed into clay, canvas and song. Today, Hall runs a thriving pottery studio affectionately known as ‘The Melody Shed’ in the heart of Sheffield’s old pewter district alongside writing, releasing albums and touring the UK with his band. Hall’s visual work ranges from humble tableware to beguiling illustrative vases, jars and oil paintings. Traditional ‘Sgrafitto’ is at the heart of the ceramic decoration, with handmade tools carving intricate landscapes and poetry written by Ben into a variety of slipped vessels. Hall’s love of regional dialect and knack for a lyrical turn of phrase comes to life through the tactile engraving process, merging his physical work with the literary.