Originally from the far north of England, Russell studied pottery at Carlisle School of Art with Jim Malone, who greatly influenced the development of what Russell calls his "more spiritual work", always on display in the downstairs Capstan room at the Roundhouse.  As one of the best production potters in Cornwall today, he is probably better known for producing a range of simply decorated earthenware domestic pottery in his version of the Cornish Ware tradition.