Background
Hewitt was born in England in 1955 not far from the Spode china factory in Stoke-on-Trent. His father and grandfather were both managers at Spode, so he grew up with that ceramics tradition.
Hewitt was born in England in 1955 not far from the Spode china factory in Stoke-on-Trent. His father and grandfather were both managers at Spode, so he grew up with that ceramics tradition.
University of Bristol.
Hewitt was taught by Leach"s first student, Michael Cardew. While at Bristol University in 1975, however, Hewitt was attracted to the very different English studio pottery tradition when a friend loaned him a copy of Leach"s seminal work, "A Potter"s Book". Thereafter, he sought out opportunities to learn studio pottery, becoming Cardew"s apprentice at the Wenford Bridge Pottery in Cornwall.
Hewitt"s decision ultimately to settle in North Carolina has influenced his work profoundly, as have his travels to Africa and Southeast Asia.
The North Carolina influence can be seen, for instance, in his use of alkaline glazes, runs of glass, and use of contrasting colors of clay. At the same time, his English roots may be seen in his close control of the potter"s wheel, his crisp lines, and in the North Devon-style handles of many of his pots.
Hewitt makes a complete line of functional ceramic toys, and much of his work is intended for everyday use. He also makes large-scale vessels of a more sculptural vein, such as his grave markers.
His work can be found in the permanent collection of several American museums.
He was also the co-curator, with Nancy Sweezy, of "The Potter"s Eye: Art and Tradition in North Carolina Pottery," at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina (October 2005 – March 2006). Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia
High Museum, Atlanta, Georgia
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Virginia
National Arboretum, Washington, District of Columbia
Spencer Museum, Kansas City, Kansas
Mint Museums, Charlotte, North Carolina
Ackland Museum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, North Carolina
Rocky Mount Arts center, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
North Carolina Pottery Center, Seagrove, North Carolina
American Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona, California
Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota
Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory, North Carolina
Gregg Museum, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.