Born in Sudan, el Nigoumi enjoyed playing with mud on the banks of the Nile river, and this is what gave him an interest in pottery.  He studied calligraphy at the Khartoum Art School from 1952 to 1955 and, following his arrival in England in 1957, he went on to study at the Central School of Art.  He later taught at the West Surrey School of Art and Design.

Known for his use of traditional African techniques, el Nigoumi produced both thrown and handbuilt pots in stoneware and burnished red earthenware that he often incised with calligraphic inscriptions and other decorations.

El Nigoumi was elected to membership of the Craft Potters Association in the early 1970s, and his work was regularly exhibited throughout London.  The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired several of his pieces for its collection.

Group Exhibitions

1. Winter Exhibition 2 - 20 December 2025