6 UK-Based Independent Ceramicists That You Need To Know About
Image credit: Alice Passingham
One of my favourite things about Instagram is the ability to track down amazing independent artisans, makers and creatives selling their homemade homewares. In recent years, I have become slightly besotted with buying ceramics for my home (bud vases, decorative plates and clay Christmas ornaments are a favourite) and there are some incredibly talented people out there producing unique pieces of home decor.
Today on the blog, I thought I would share six of my favourite ceramicists who make their wares at home or in small studios within the UK. While I tend to favour a pot with a frilly edge, these ceramicists make and sell a whole host of handmade pieces, so do browse their individual shops via the links provided.
Image credit: Joanna Ling
Joanna Ling
London-based ceramicist Joanna makes her glazed candlesticks, vases and pinch pots in a studio at the bottom of her garden. After working in the art world for 30 years, Joanna decided it was time to create her own work and started up her ceramic business. Now, her pieces are featured all over the mainstream press and she has collaborated on collections with Birdie Fortescue and Matches Fashion. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on her Instagram - a couple of times a year Joanna will host sample sales at her West London home.
Image credit: Joanna Ling
Minnie-Mae Studio
I adore the pretty and fun pieces by Margate-based Minnie-Mae Stott. From painted blackberry plates to prawn hanging decorations, Minnie grew up in Hackney and the vivid memories she has of the vibrant East End fruit and vegetable markets have had a strong influence on her work. Popular items include ‘gold peas in a pod’ ornaments and oyster shell pinch pots, while pieces like the ‘Forget-Me-Not’ serving platter would make a stunning wedding gift.
Image credit: Minnie-Mae Studio
CLAE by Josie Swift
One of my all-time favourite vases that I have ever purchased has been by Josie Swift. According to the Kent-based potter, Clae is all about creating functional, contemporary ceramics designed to be used consistently within the home. I particularly like Josie’s range of splattered bowls, chunky mugs and curvy vases.
Image credit: Josie Swift
Josie’s rippled-edge vase in my own home.
Alice Passingham Ceramics
I recently indulged in one of Alice’s milk-coloured decorative bells for my Christmas tree, but Alice also sells various designs of flower vases. One of my favourite pieces is the clay ikebana pot: a scalloped, wide-neck bowl featuring a built-in flower frog to easily arrange small, single-stem blooms.
Image credit: Alice Passingham
Paige Mitchell
Based in Norwich, Paige Mitchell makes her pieces above her independent gift shop, Elm, where she sells her creations alongside other carefully curated lifestyle pieces. Her stoneware frilly plant pot with accompanying tray is a favourite in my home, but I also love her chunky harlequin pattern mugs and gothic candle sconces.
Click here to be taken directly to Paige’s website, or click here to be taken to the lifestyle store Elm.
Floral plate by Paige Mitchell.
Frilly stoneware pot in my home by Paige Mitchell.
Harlie Brown Studio
2023 was a good year for Harlie Brown Studio as they were stocked in (amongst other places) Heal’s, Style Your Spaces and Spicer & Wood. The husband and wife team are mostly recognised for their painted French plates; I picked them out recently to feature in my Heal’s edit after their lemon plate became one of my favourite items perched on my kitchen dresser. Harlie uses techniques such as slab building, coiling and pinching to create the pieces before being hand-painted by her husband, Dan.
Harlie Brown Le Citron French plate
