THE pottery and crafts world recently descended on Farnham Pottery to celebrate the publication of a book on Sudanese potter and Farnham resident Siddig El Nigoumi.

A party was attended by a large crowd of influential studio-pottery enthusiasts, including Siddig’s widow Vicki Nigoumi, author of the book Alan Windsor and host Nigel Farrow of the publisher Lund Humphries.

Mr Windsor, who has written widely on art and architecture since the late 1950s, said: “The person who was responsible for starting this project off was Liz May, curator at the Museum of Farnham, who organised an exhibition of Nigoumi’s work at the museum last year.

“I was there, and that was when Vicki asked if I would write a book, so if it hadn’t been for Liz’s imagination and perception in setting up the exhibition, the book would not have happened.”

A skilled and versatile artist, Siddig el Nigoumi (1931 to 1996) is best known for his original ceramics that beautifully express Western and African influence.

Telling his story for the first time, Siddig el Nigoumi: A Sudanese Potter in England by Alan Windsor features new photography of his finest work.

Host Nigel Farrow thanked Guy and Elaine Hains for allowing them to hold the party at the Farnham Pottery, and congratulated them on the successful restoration of the building.