AN artist who learnt his trade at Royal Worcester Porcelain is looking back over his illustrious 30-year career.

Christopher Hughes was an apprentice ceramic painter at the city’s porcelain works. He left in 1979 to become a full-time freelance artist and now splits his time between Worcester and the Greek island of Alonissos.

Later this month, the 54-year-old is holding an open day and exhibition at his home in Barbourne. He will be showcasing his varied work, including watercolours, oils, ceramics and prints which sell all over the world.

“When I first started, my wife, Jane, was working full- time and she was able to support me.

“One of my first customers was Harrods. I remember driving down to London in our Mini and taking some prints to them. I was really quite lucky to be supplying Harrods. There’s a bit of kudos in that and it helped.”

Five years ago Mr and Mrs Hughes, looking for a change in lifestyle, bought an ancient olive grove overlooking the Aegean on the Greek island Alonissos.

They divide their time between the two homes, spending six months in Worcester and six months in Greece.

“We have two lives,” said Mr Hughes, who runs painting courses from the island hideaway.

“It’s a precarious occupation, but we’re very lucky. We look forward to coming back to the UK to see family and friends, but we also look forward to returning to see our Greek friends.”

The painting course attracts students from all over the world.

Mr Hughes has worked with people from the UK, France, Italy, Canada, the US, China and Australia in the past year alone.

The Worcester exhibition will take place in Barbourne on Saturday, November 28, between 11am and 7pm.

For more information, including the full address, visit christopherhughesgallery.com.