The Appeal of Studio Pottery
Across the UK are some amazingly talented potters making unique items from their studios, and we want to highlight just some of these artisans and their individual creations.
Studio pottery shows off what can be achieved by hand and often appeals to people looking for tableware with a more authentic, sustainable and soulful feel. Each piece will always be unique, with the designs and forms often embracing personal meaning to the potter.
We can make our own connections with studio pottery, whether because we resonate with the maker’s ethical values, for example, or are interested in the collection’s intricate textures and forms. We’re delighted to highlight the special creations of three studio pottery companies: Dor & Tan, Stitched Ceramic and The Blackheath Pottery.
The team behind Dor & Tan – Sharron, Peter, Matthew, Viola and Julia – use locally sourced Cornish clay for their pieces, which are then fired using green energy. Dor & Tan tableware is a collection of ceramic bowls and plates in muted matt tones with a soft speckle. Their approach to how they finalise their pieces is fascinating; to ensure a considered process, they use new items around the home to get a feel for how tactile and functional they are. Only then do they discuss and agree on which colours, forms and textures they migrated to, and it’s these they refine in the studio and make for sale.
Stitched Ceramics is a coming together of the two specialisms of ceramics and embroidery for potter Cath Ball, based near Carlisle. Porcelain is the material of choice for Stitched Ceramics, helping Cath achieve the fine quality and interesting textures desired, mostly hand built using rolled-out slabs. A beautiful feature of this collection is a technique of lace imprinting in a way that tastefully blends the disciplines of both stitch and clay. The collection features home décor pieces and kitchenware, all in a fresh scheme of green and aqua through to off-white.
Based in Northern Ireland, The Blackheath Pottery is owned by Babs Belshaw. Excelling with traditional techniques, Babs herself creates each piece, all thoughtfully designed and lovingly hand-thrown on the wheel. Within The Blackheath Pottery collection is a selection of organically formed mugs and jugs in various sizes, along with an elegant butter dish. The pottery is both beautiful and practical, inspired by Babs’ belief that everyday items should bring joy and elegance.
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