Walter Keeler studied at Harrow School of Art, noted for training production potters. He established his first studio in 1965 and in 1976 moved to Monmouthshire in Wales. Keeler is regarded as a foremost exponent of salt-glaze work. His designs draw on eighteenth century Staffordshire moulded pottery, the forms of Roman blown glass and the old-fashioned metal milk churns and oil cans.
The pot is thrown and trimmed, the handles extruded and the salt-glazing controlled to give the handle and lid the characteristic ‘orange peel’ texture in contrast with the smoother surface of the pot itself.