Selby was first introduced to the world of ceramics through an apprenticeship in a studio pottery on the Wirral, learning the processes involved in producing domestic studio pottery on a grand scale. To this day, he still uses those skills when it comes to repetition throwing, glazing large quantities of pots, and packing kilns.

After completing his apprenticeship, Selby undertook a degree in Multi-Disciplinary Design in Stoke-on-Trent, developing his own style while still drawing on the functional skills learnt at the studio pottery. Following graduation, he opened his first studio pottery in Cambridgeshire, producing functional thrown stoneware pottery — and it was during this time that he was first introduced to teaching, spending much of his time working with community groups, schools and colleges.

All of Selby's work involves the potter's wheel, with particular focus on the 'turning' element of the making process that allows him to 'engineer' his pots. His work is often described as contemporary and functional, with a continued focus on shape and form.

Selby is our head instructor, responsible for training new teachers and overseeing the curriculum. His passion for pottery is expressed as much in his teaching as in his own work, and he takes great pleasure in sharing his expertise and knowledge with others. Selby sells his own ceramics under the business name of 'Selby Jonathan' and some of this work can be found in the gallery at The Old Bank.