John Hughes (ceramicist)

John Percival Hughes, MBE (c. 1935 – 19 June 2013) was a Welsh ceramicist, known for devising and marketing the "Grogg", a range of collectible figurines representing well-known public figures, mostly rugby union players.[1]

Hughes at work during the 1970s

Hughes came from Pontypridd and launched his Groggs during the early 1970s when the Wales national rugby union team was at the height of its success and popularity. After operating from his home, making figures of mythical creatures such as dragons and giants, he set up in a shop at Treforest, converted from a derelict pub,[2] and later described his business as "a 45-year overnight success story". He was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2010 Birthday Honours.[3]

References
  1. "Tributes paid to World of Groggs founder John Hughes", Wales Online, 19 June 2013. Accessed 19 June 2013
  2. ITV News - "How a Pontypridd pub became the Groggs workshop", 19 June 2013. Accessed 19 June 2013
  3. BBC News - "MBE for Pontypridd Groggs maker John Hughes", 12 June 2010. Accessed 19 June 2013


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