So it seemed a sensible career choice to enter the ceramic industry. And, after some years working as trainee at Meakins and Wedgwood, he attended college to study advanced mould making and modelling.

Shane found this knowledge of mould making vital. He said, "It provided me with an insight into production processes and an understanding of what can be reproduced on a large commercial scale."

Tableware Modelling

Joining Royal Doulton in 1987 as a Tableware Modeller, Shane continued in this position until 1994. He worked across all project areas, including shape development. Shane also had his first experience of more sculptural work creating two Minton teapots - the Monkey and Cockerel design launched in 1994, and the Cat and Mouse introduced in 1995.

Shane has always loved learning fresh techniques and developing his modelling skills - when it was suggested that a modeller in tableware and a sculptor swap places for six months so that each could learn new skills, he jumped at the opportunity.

Learning Sculptural Skills

During his secondment Shane worked on several pieces, including the Uncle Sam Bunnykins teapot and Goodnight Bunnykins DB157. At the end of the period, Head of Studio, Graham Tongue asked Shane if he would like to stay as a sculptor rather than return to tableware.

Shane was thrilled, "This was just the challenge I needed. I welcomed the chance to become more involved with creating the adorable character collectables such as Bunnykins, Beatrix Potter, Brambly Hedge, Thelwell and Disney."

Since then Shane has contributed many models to the Disney collections, handling subjects for Winnie the Pooh, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Mickey Mouse ranges. Recent models have included the pair of Winnie the Pooh characters for the Love and Friendship Collection - Love Makes all your bothers disappear and A present for me, how grand!

Shane has found every collection different and has had to adapt his technique and way of working to suit each range.

"For the Herbs collection," Shane explains, "I had to work from a video of the programmes, and the whole process of stopping and rewinding the film so I could observe the characters for my models was very time consuming."

Pastures New

More recently Shane fulfilled a long-standing ambition by creating his very first Character Jug. His first model, Huckleberry Finn, the 2002 exclusive Character Jug for members of the Collectors Club, was an immediate success. Following on from that, Shane has modelled several more Jugs including Lord Horatio Nelson Character Jug of the Year 2005.

Shane also works on developing ideas for Minton. It brings him back to the beginning of his career as a tableware modeller. Shane said, "I find the skills I learnt back in the 1980s are vital in the creation of the teapots and miniature seats. I enjoy combining the two different disciplines of Tableware and Sculptural modelling.

"But what I really appreciate about working on Minton product is the chance to research in the archives and examine early ceramics. This gives me the time to study the talent and skill of the 19th century Minton modellers, such as Paul Comolera. For a piece such as the scaled down model of a Fawn, I had to recreate the original model precisely ensuring I captured every last detail and contour."

Shane clearly relishes the variety at Royal Doulton - one day he can be working on Bunnykins and the next on a Character Jug. He adds that he never stops learning and the way to get better is to attempt ever more complicated models.

Italian Dream

Outside of work Shane has many interests, he admires Greek art and sculpture of the Classic and Hellenistic periods and, where possible, takes the opportunity to visit art galleries and museums such as the British Museum in London and the National Museum in Greece which boast wonderful bronze sculptures.

One place he would like to visit is Florence because, "I have immense admiration for Bernini, 1598-1680, and I especially like his marble statue of Apollo and Daphne."

A family man, Shane has created an impressive body of work in a truly world class ceramics business.