Catherine read English literature at Bristol University before teaching for many years in Cambridge. During this time she also pursued and developed her love of the decorative arts, selling her own silk paintings and embroideries.

On meeting Simon Rich she began to apply this to ceramics, her particular interest being in lustre work. The pieces are painted using real gold, platinum and copper, and other lustres such as mother of pearl. They are fired four times in order to produce special effects. The clay is stoneware and a soft ivory crackle glaze is used. Her inspiration derives in part from the work of Gustav Klimt and from mystical symbols of the ancient world and the Orient.

Catherine lives and works with husband Simon, the potter, in South Pembrokeshire and has two children one of whom, Bryony, is also represented in this gallery.