11/09/2026
On the 22nd July 2026, David Queensberry passed away at the age of 96. He was a founding director of Highland Stoneware and a very dear friend to David and Norah. David has put some memories of "Q" into words and has asked us to share them with you here.
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My association with Q began in 1971 when I was in my first year as a Ceramics student at the Royal College of Art, and Q was my Professor. The Ceramics and Glass department of the RCA under Q's leadership was an exciting place to be. A group of students working independently, and inspiring tutors such as Hans Coper, Eduardo Paolozzi, and Grahame Clarke.
At that time, Q and Martin Hunt were running their design practice from David’s offices in the department, and I found being able to observe the reality of their high powered design work and technical skills really inspiring. Clients often passed through, from top European and British manufacturers, to important cutting edge retailers. At the end of my third year, as I was completing my course and Highland Stoneware was being formed, Q arranged for Peter Seimsson of the Rosenthal Studio Houses to look at the fledgling Highland Stoneware range. After much work, we subsequently received an order to supply 13 Rosenthal Studio Houses, an amazing prestigious order, thanks to Q's timely introduction.
Q's first visit to Lochinver came as we were starting production in 1975, when his unrivalled understanding of all things to do with the ceramics business, from practical to financial, meant that Highland Stoneware was able to dodge what could have been uncomfortable pitfalls. Under his guidance, we managed to navigate the days of the Wilson Government, when inflation reached 27%..! He continued to visit us almost every year since then, right up to the year of CoVID-19, and almost always brought family or friends. All enjoyed eating Lochinver's fresh fish and shellfish acquired straight from the pier, and foraging for chanterelles was a fond and productive activity for many.
Q was fascinated by our Geological Glazes Project which Grahame Clarke (also a founding director of HS) and I had worked on back in the 1970s. The pressures of other work had delayed the project in those days, but in 2014 it was revived! I initially thought it would be an interesting academic pursuit but was pleasantly surprised when it also resonated strongly with our customers and collectors. Q was full of energy and enthusiasm for the development and worked hard to place a selection into the V&A: a ten piece triaxial blend set, and a set of four vases which Q designed especially for us. Sadly Grahame fell ill and was not able to see much more of the project he had inspired before he passed away.
In closing, I'd like to share a final story which summed up Q's attitude:
On a visit to his house, a student at the RCA asked him what he thought of Highland Stoneware when I was a student. He replied, “I thought it was a completely mad idea, with very little chance of success. But I thought students ought to be encouraged in what they wanted to achieve.”
For me, wow! What a teaching philosophy. More of that today please!
What a legacy Q left, and we at Highland Stoneware are grateful and delighted to have had his input.
