Meet the team: Harry Foster, Specialist Products Manager

It would be easy to say one of our major international assignments. However, in terms of satisfaction, it would probably be a small Minton Hollins bathroom project for an elderly American lady named Angela. She was desperate to have matching toilet accessories for her dream bathroom and could not locate them anywhere stateside, so I arranged to hand-spray and fire-bisque pieces for her and ship them over. She was elated when she received them.

I enjoy the challenge of developing products to meet each client’s specific requirements – I find it very satisfying being able to assist designers and architects to realise their vision. I would also have to mention my colleagues, because having a flexible, experienced and dedicated team with a ‘can do ‘ attitude is a godsend.

What’s your favourite product at Johnson Tiles?

That is a really tricky one as we make so many great pieces, particularly the specials, but I would probably say Zara from the new Arabesque range, the ornamental design has a real ‘Iznik’ feel to it. As hand-decorated tiles go, it’s a beauty.

I’m a bit of a workaholic. I’ve been employed at Johnson Tiles for just over six-and-a-half years but have been employed in the ceramics industry for – ouch! – more than 29 years in various technical, production and quality roles. I have won an MIAA (Manufacturing Industry Achievement Awards) award for project work and innovation within ceramics manufacturing.

I live in Stoke with my partner who is a ceramic designer-maker so if I’m not at work I’ll be pottering around in her studio, making moulds, casting or just making a nuisance of myself. I do have a bit of a passion for ceramics generally so enjoy visits to museums and exhibitions.

Today we’re introducing another key member of the Johnson Tiles family, as we continue our new series taking you behind the scenes to meet our hard working team. Next up is Harry Foster, our Specialist Products Manager.