Royce began pottery in 1966, qualifying as a master potter in 1971. Based in Nelson, Royce makes a wide range of domestic ware. In conjunction with this he also works on ceramic art pieces. Royce likes to develop the sculptural elements in functional objects.

He has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand and overseas with his work found in numerous private and public collections. He is New Zealand’s only member of the International Academy of Ceramics (Geneva) and in 1989 he received an M.B.E. for his services to pottery in New Zealand.