Ray Finch, a South Londoner born in 1914, approached Michael Cardew in 1935, seeking employment. Cardew told him to go away and get some experience. He studied for a year at the Central School of Art, in London, and then was accepted by Cardew at Winchcombe Pottery.

When Cardew went to Wenford Bridge in 1939 he left Finch in charge of Winchcombe. Production was interrupted by the war, but when it re-started in 1946 he purchased the business from Cardew.

He ran Winchcombe until 1979 when he handed the running of the business over to his son, Michael.