AT 70 ceramicist Jim Robison is still probably one of the most active artists in the Holme Valley area.

And he is celebrating by holding a big exhibition 70+ at Seventy at his Booth House Studio above Holmfirth.

In point of fact, the exhibition will be outside as well as inside the gallery, one of the most attractive features being a woodland walk, complete with ceramic sculptures and a fountain, within the grounds of the building.

“This is still a work in progress”, says Jim.

The small plantation, with birch, beech and oak, has its roots years ago when the Robisons’ three grown-up children were then little ones.

And it has grown into a fine place for a nature or sculpture trail.

The walk will feature planters, a 100-year old ceramic chair from Kitson’s at Denby Dale and a seat with a fine view over the Holme Valley.

Some of his recent work to be featured includes medium-sized ceramics with glass inserts which will help to give lighting effects in sunshine.

Born and raised in the mid-west of the United States, Jim studied at Michigan University and taught ceramics and sculptures in Michigan for nine years.

He’s been at Booth House now since 1975, when he spotted two old barns which he felt would make a fine studio workshop.

He taught at Bretton College for many years, and has always admired the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where he took part in a ceramic sculpture exhibition around 1982.

He still finds his work exciting. When you open the electric or gas kiln, you never know just how things will have turned out.

For this latest exhibition he has made a range of pieces from small vases and dishes to medium-sized pieces, which have landscape images on the surface.

In some pieces, there are trees and a suggestion of the wind blowing and clouds moving across the sky.

The use of porcelain slips and a variety of glazes have led to some of his work being a little more colourful than in the past.

“I try to do fresh things, so it stays interesting for you,” he says.

One recent venture is a website and video created to help students and teachers engaged in GCSE work, after he found, to his surprise, that his work was featured on the course.

Jim is also shortly publishing a new book, Slab Techniques, co-authored by Ian Marsh, of Marsden.

Compared with Missouri, the artist finds the Pennine landscape more dramatic and inspiring.

After spending more time now in England than in the States, he retains his American accent but considers himself, more or less, an adopted Yorkshireman.

Jim enjoys recalling what happened when there was a competition for a decoration for Holmfirth Civic Hall, where he was successful with his design for four ceramic panels.

“I’m glad the local lad won it,” somebody said.

The 70+ at Seventy exhibition, originally planned to have more than 70 exhibits, now looks like having around 90.

To be opened on July 4, American Independence Day, it is timed to coincide with Holmfirth Artweek, but will run through to September.