Contemporary Ceramics gallery and shop exhibits the greatest collectable names in British ceramics along with the most up and coming artists of today. Our distinguished makers are all carefully selected members of the Craft Potters Association.
All of our makers are members of the Craft Potters Association and each of them have a story to tell.
Bridget started making pots full-time while living in Scotland in 1976. At first, she made domestic stoneware, firing in a gas kiln and gained skills in all aspects of pottery. Having had no formal training Bridget’s determination and hard work meant she gradually developed her own technique.
She has always loved porcelain and gradually changed over to this material finding that it suited the style of work she was searching for. Eastern ceramics were very influential and she loved the Chinese and Korean shapes and glazes.
Clive Bowen was born in Cardiff in 1943. Initially studying painting and etching at Cardiff College of Art from 1960 to 1964, Clive went on to train as an apprentice with Michael Leach at the Yelland Pottery in North Devon from 1965 until 1969. He worked alongside Michael Cardew at Wenford Bridge before setting up his own pottery in 1971 when he bought a small agricultural property at Shebbear, near Holsworthy in North Devon and set up a workshop in the former farm outhouses.
Vanessa's work is influenced by natural patterns, colours and forms found in and beside the sea. Over time Vanessa has developed her own technique of using slip as a resist and for texture to pattern her sawdust fired pots.
Canada born Malory gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Ceramics, Minor in Art History in 2016 from NSCAD University (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design).
She makes one-of-a-kind sculptural vessels inspired by the artistic movements of the 17th and 18th Century. Her work is a contemporary interpretation of this period, of objects that focus on extravagance and specificity. More often than not, her pieces are designed for flowers.
Ben’s work is mainly hand-built, wheel-thrown and altered using stoneware, porcelain, and high fired earthenware clays. Forms seek to utilise and respond to the malleability of the material with work being altered and assembled while still wet.
The majority of his work relies exclusively on the interaction between ash, clay and fire achieved through extended wood firings in an anagama type kiln. However, recent pieces are exploring the potentials of using earthenware clays to bring out the character and attitude in the work.
As a child, Jon loved drawing and messing about with mud. He and his brother and friends spent many joyful years roaming and exploring on the waste ground of empty housing plots. The exposed seams of soft yellow clay they discovered was perfect for making ‘weapons’ - squashed balls of clay on the ends of sticks. Although childhood has long passed, the activity has informed and inspired his approach to ceramic practice and his educational/community engagement work.
