Here, we showcase some exceptional talent in the world of ceramics, highlighting the work of five incredibly skilled ceramicists whose creations we simply want to touch, hold, keep forever and then, one day, hand down. We explore the beauty, skill, and passion that define their works in clay.
Mr Ben
Ben Hall – aka Mr Ben – is a maker based in Sheffield whose imagination extends well beyond his creations in clay, spanning painting, potting, singing and songwriting, all of which he does from his ‘melody shed’. We can’t vouch for all his other talents – though we feel sure he is master of them – but we can certainly loudly extol his ceramics, which are warm, expressive and, funnily enough, painterly. We especially love his Large Bespoke Summer Vase (£220), pictured. Discover more.
Rebecca Williams
‘Simple pleasures’ are the words that greet anyone perusing ceramicist Rebecca Williams’ lovely website. And, true to that statement of intent, her beautiful, pared back works are sublimely restrained, the muted palettes elevated by the most perfect forms and subtle details. We would take everything, from the beautiful berry colander to the tactile mugs, but we have long had a soft spot for her absolutely unbeatable Handmade Stoneware Butter Dish (£34), pictured. A note: if, as is frequently the case, her work is sold out on her website, you might have more luck at Rowen & Wren, where a selection of her pieces are stocked. Discover more.
Jack Welbourne
Cardiff-based ceramicist Jack Welbourne has been making for 12 years post studying pottery in Plymouth, which he does from an especially creative courtyard that is also home to a multitude of other makers. Specialising in hand-thrown tableware, he says, ‘I am informed by traditional techniques and values, in particular eastern ideas brought to the UK by Bernard Leach. Whilst working with this framework I am always looking to add a contemporary feel to my work though mark-making, form and application of glazes. I also work with locally sourced materials including clays and wood ash that I collect from the urban landscape I occupy.’ He adds, ‘I believe that your home can be a living work of art if you want it to be, with handmade pottery not only fulfilling a functional role but enriching and exciting with every use.’ We heartily agree. Although his Etsy shop is currently taking a break, you can buy his wares through Toast this season. We have our eyes firmly fixed his lovely and highly tactile Herringbone Mug (£35), pictured. Discover more.
Rachael Cocker
Ceramicist Rachael Cocker is currently on The Prince’s Foundation’s Building Arts programme which ‘aims to inspire a future generation of artists, craftspeople, designers and makers to create a built environment which draws on a vast array of different skills, materials and processes. Through practice-based learning the building arts programme looks to explore the physical, temporal and even symbolic connections which can be conveyed through our buildings and places.’ We cannot wait to see what she produces as a result of that surely formative experience – we are already head-over-heels for her coil-built ceramics, which just exude joy in the manner of the lovely and beautifully proportioned Midsummer Jug Sample (£190), pictured. Discover more.
Lily Anna Armstrong
Lily Anna Armstrong’s website is, alas, not especially well stocked. However, we nonetheless have our eyes on the Scottish artist’s exceptional work thanks to her Instagram showcase, which goes far beyond the ceramic jewellery that is currently available to buy. We truly love her graphic and surreal stoneware vase, as well as her playful ceramic takes on the everyday, such Coca Cola bottles and milk cartons embellished with 18th-century portraiture, and her Delft-style tiles featuring portraits of her dog, amongst other excellent motifs. One to watch. Discover more.
By Nancy Alsop
October 2023
