Born in Penzance, his parents running potteries in St Ives and Nancledra, meant that Paul was taught by his father at an early age, and studied formally at Falmouth Art School. He worked with Jess Val Baker in her studio pottery for a period, but prefers making functional pottery that is meant to be used and handled on a daily basis. This principle follows the philosophy passed on by his father that if you are making a pot, be it for special exhibition or for everyday use, you make it as well as you can.

He is based in Penzance.