Royce qualified as a Master Potter in 1971 after a five year apprenticeship at Waimea Pottery. After travelling overseas for 2 years he returned to NZ and established his own pottery studio in Nelson. In 1988 he became a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (Geneva) and in 1989 was award an MBE for his services to pottery in New Zealand.Royce has always specialised in well designed tableware and decoration has been a feature of his work. His work reflects our New Zealand surroundings but now decoration has given way to texture and he is using a colour palette that gives a feel of our country. While the works remains functional it has a strong tactile appeal. In conjunction with this functional range, Royce produces ceramic art works and he has won many awards and been included in exhibitions throughout the world.