Michael, ‘Mick’ Casson began his journey in pottery in 1945, training at Hornsey College of Art. In 1952, he established his first pottery studio, and in 1958, he became a founding member of the Craft Potters Association, where he played a key role in launching the first pottery shop on Carnaby Street.
Together with Victor Margrie, Casson co-founded the Harrow Studio Pottery training course in 1963. This initiative became instrumental in shaping the careers of many contemporary potters, inspiring those who sought to operate small-scale studios.
Casson operated a pottery in Prestwood, Buckinghamshire, until his relocation to Wobage Farm, Herefordshire, in 1976. His work is grounded in the ‘Leach Tradition’ of thrown stoneware functional pottery, featuring a signature style that incorporated both incised and resist decoration.
A highly influential figure in the British ceramics world, Casson was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Ceramics Festival in Aberystwyth in 2001. He served as the festival’s Honorary President for many years.