Clay College Gallery
‘Balancing the Art of Porcelain’
(29 November – 15 February)
This winter, Clay College Stoke will be showcasing a curated collection of functional and decorative work in its latest exhibition, ‘Balancing the Art of Porcelain’.
The exhibition highlights the strength and delicacy of this elegant form of clay known for both its durable and transluscent qualities, through the work of six professional studio potters from across the UK and Ireland.
Originating in China during the 7th century Tang Dynasty where it was known as the tableware of Royalty, porcelain was first brought to Europe in the 14th century by Marco Polo. The quest to formulate this material and discover the secrets of porcelain was one that captured the imagination of minds all over Europe.
Today, porcelain remains an enigmatic material, requiring a high level of skill, knowledge and patience in the making, glazing and firing processes.
Variants in the composition, firing and glazing techniques produce a wide range of finishes from classic opaque white to almost transparent, glass-like finishes produced through vitrification in the heat of the kiln.
Featured Artists: Adam Frew, Jack Doherty, Katharina Treml, Kevin Millward, Patricia Thom and Zeita Scott
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND SHOP THE EXHIBITION
OPENING SOON……..
‘Designs for Tea’
(21 February – 12 April)
‘Designs for Tea’ exhibition of studio pottery tea ware
‘Design For Tea’ showcases a unique collection of original tea ware created by professional studio potters from around the UK, inspired by European and Asian cultures and rituals.
The exhibition celebrates the quiet beauty of functional studio pottery and the global conversation embedded in everyday handmade objects highlighting the rich dialogue between function, aesthetics, and cultural heritage.
Each hand-crafted piece reflects an intrinsic respect for the intimate rituals and traditions of tea shared around these objects while embracing the innovation and individuality of each maker’s approach to their design and making process.
Tea is more than just a beverage; it is a ritual shaped by centuries of values and meaning. From ancient China, where tea was first cultivated and offered as medicine, it travelled along trade routes to monasteries, courts, and homes across Asia and beyond.
Over time, distinct ceremonies emerged – the quiet precision of the Japanese tea ritual, the contemplative brewing of Chinese gongfu cha, and the social warmth of afternoon tea in Britain. Each tradition reflects its culture’s values, turning the simple act of steeping leaves in water into a moment of pause, hospitality, and connection with history.