Meet five of our favourite artisans transforming clay into deliciously tactile ceramics
Popalini & Jezando, Devon
Set against the coastline of the Hartland Peninsula, collaborative duo Pop Wilkinson and Jez Anderson create understated wood-fired ceramics from their studio on the north Devon/Cornwall border. Deeply connected to the landscape around them, the pair favour simple, non-toxic glaze recipes and locally sourced materials to produce pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Their wheel-thrown pots are characterised by earthy tones and pared-back forms, brought to life through the alchemy of wood firing. The process results in natural lustres and richly textured surfaces evocative of weathered rocks, making each piece unique.
It’s not just the local landscape and historic pottery traditions of north Devon that influence Pop and Jez’s work. They are also inspired by their time spent working in Japan, where they fell in love with the refined simplicity of Japanese ceramics. The pair returned, with support from Arts Council England, to further their knowledge of wood firing and teaware. Today, they continue to hone their craft from their Hartland studio, where they have built their own wood-fired kiln.
The pair are now looking ahead to a new chapter, with plans to launch residential wood-firing courses and pottery classes that will invite visitors to experience their distinctive approach to ceramics first-hand.
Sandy Brown, Devon
Acclaimed for her bold, spontaneous use of colour and clay, Sandy Brown is one of Britain’s most celebrated ceramic artists. Her work can be found in museum collections worldwide, including London’s V&A.
Sandy’s ceramics journey began during a five-year stay in Japan, where she was inspired by the country’s approach to food presentation and the way studio ceramics of all shapes, sizes and colours are woven into everyday life. That influence continues to inform her work today, bringing a sense of playfulness, energy and visual richness to each piece.
Her functional ceramics are as captivating as her large-scale sculptures. From serving dishes to decorative vessels, each piece combines expressive forms with a joyful use of colour, creating objets d’art for daily use and appreciation.
Her studio, housed within a former sail-making loft in the picturesque fishing village of Appledore, attracts art lovers and collectors from around the world. Visitors can browse the evolving display of works in progress and finished pieces, many of which are available to purchase.
EOT Ceramics, Cornwall
Coffee drinkers know the right cup can elevate the entire experience, which is why those in the know source their vessels from Emily Tapp. She creates the stoneware from her studio at Argal Home Farm, a creative hub on the outskirts of Falmouth.
Her signature dimpled cups have earned a cult following thanks to their tactile form, thoughtfully placed finger indents and soft matte finish. Wheel-thrown from high-firing white stoneware clay, each piece balances simplicity with functionality, transforming a morning pourover into something infinitely more special.
After graduating with a fine art degree, Emily founded EOT Ceramics in 2019 and has since developed a distinctive collection inspired by Cornwall’s seascapes. Every piece is glazed by hand using her own carefully honed recipes.
Alongside creating sought-after tableware, Emily also shares her expertise through workshops and exhibits in a growing number of galleries and independent retailers, including Tate St Ives.
The Village Pottery, Bristol
Founded by ceramicist Jen Hamilton, Bristol’s The Village Pottery has spent over 17 years producing functional pieces that bring pleasure to daily rituals – from morning brews to leisurely lunches with friends.
Jen and her pro team of potters create everything – from bespoke commissions to tableware for restaurants – in a studio housed on a farm just outside the city, surrounded by fellow makers and rolling countryside. The team’s mantra is that handmade objects carry the story of their maker, bringing character and connection to everyday life.
Among the studio’s most popular pieces are its bougie wine coolers and olive dip dishes, both suited to summer entertaining and relaxed gatherings around the table. The handcrafted wine coolers can be personalised with initials and dates, making them a thoughtful gift for weddings, anniversaries and special occasions.
Julia Florence, Cornwall
Cornish ceramic artist Julia Florence creates striking vases that blur the line between functional pottery and fine art. Her alluring pieces combine expressive painted figures, tactile surfaces and a celebration of the female form.
For her most recent collection, Florence explored a pared-back aesthetic inspired by shapes and imagery from nature and a renewed fascination for clay’s raw beauty. Drawing on Cornwall’s landscapes and a trip to Greece meeting master potters, her works showcase a minimal palate of earthy tones and delicate sculptural details inspired by shells and coastal treasures.
Find her pieces in some of Cornwall’s most respected galleries, including Morgan’s in Falmouth.
Enjoyed our curation of notable ceramicists in the South West? Delve into our interviews with more of the region’s tastemakers.
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