The world of ceramics feels a little less vibrant, a little less daring, today. We mourn the passing of Gordon Baldwin, a true visionary whose groundbreaking approach to clay redefined the boundaries of the medium and left an indelible mark on generations of artists.

Gordon Baldwin (1932-2025) died peacefully at home yesterday, 18th May 2025.

A Sculptor in Clay: Beyond Functionality

Baldwin wasn’t just a potter; he was a sculptor who chose clay as his language. His work, often abstract and monumental in its quiet way, possessed a profound sense of presence. Their surfaces, often textured and subtly coloured, whispered stories of process and time, hinting at the earth from which they were born.

He was a huge inspiration to me and images of his work have been ever present in my studio, my sketchbooks as a constant reminder how the limits of the form and the surface can be pushed.

An Unconventional Path: From Painting to Pottery

Baldwin wasn’t just a potter; he was a sculptor who chose clay as his language. His work, often abstract and monumental in its quiet way, possessed a profound sense of presence. These weren’t pieces meant for mere functionality; they were objects of contemplation, demanding a slow, considered gaze. Their surfaces, often textured and subtly coloured, whispered stories of process and time, hinting at the earth from which they were born.

Born in 1932, Baldwin’s journey into ceramics was unconventional. After studying painting at the Slade School of Fine Art, he found himself drawn to the tactile nature of clay. This painterly sensibility never truly left him. His vessels, while rooted in the tradition of the form, often felt like three-dimensional canvases, bearing the marks of his hands and the alchemy of the kiln.

What set Baldwin apart was his fearless experimentation. He pushed the limits of form, often creating asymmetrical, almost precarious structures that defied conventional notions of balance. Yet, there was always an underlying harmony, a carefully considered tension that held his pieces together, both physically and conceptually. His use of slips and oxides was equally distinctive. As a result, creating nuanced surfaces that ranged from earthy and raw to delicately luminous.

A Lasting Legacy: Shaping Generations of Artists

His influence on the ceramic landscape is undeniable. He challenged the prevailing emphasis on functionality, paving the way for a more sculptural and expressive approach to clay. His teaching at various institutions, including the Royal College of Art, nurtured countless artists who were inspired by his uncompromising vision and his dedication to the material.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Gordon Baldwin was known for his quiet intensity and his unwavering commitment to his craft. He was a thoughtful and articulate voice within the art world. His words often as insightful as his creations.

The silence he left behind is significant. We have lost a true innovator, an artist who consistently challenged our perceptions and expanded our understanding of what clay could be. His powerful and enigmatic forms will continue to inspire and provoke. A lasting testament to a life dedicated to the profound possibilities of a humble material.

While the physical presence of Gordon Baldwin is gone, his spirit lives on in the countless pieces he created. Each one a quiet giant standing as a testament to his unique and enduring vision. He will be deeply missed.

The post Gordon Baldwin appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

Quiet Corners: Minimalist Ceramics for Peaceful Living by Ania Perkowska

Walthamstow-based ceramic artist Ania Perkowska finds tranquillity to be a guiding principle that shapes her artistry, rather than just a lifestyle choice.

In her exhibition “Quiet Corners”, in Estates East during The E17 Art Trail 2024, Ania invites us to slow down and embrace the beauty of “less is more.”  

Inspiration

Ania’s childhood experiences is in communist Poland, where stark concrete structures dominated the landscape. They inspire her work, reflecting a deep appreciation for simplicity and contrast. This formative experience laid the foundation for her artistic vision. It inspired her to explore the tension between order and chaos, between the structured and the organic.

At the heart of Ania’s work lies a deep reverence for the medium of clay. Her designs, characterised by geometric forms and minimalistic decoration, speak to a timeless elegance that transcends trends and fads. 

Ania’s art has more than just visual appeal it’s an invitation to engage with the senses. From a distance, her pieces may seem quiet and unassuming. Yet, it is only upon closer inspection that their true beauty is revealed. Running your fingers along the textured surfaces, and feeling the weight of a carefully crafted mug in your hands—these are the moments that elevate everyday objects into vessels of joy and contemplation.

Tactility

Every piece is not just a functional object, but a conduit for mindfulness and serenity. Whether it’s a sleek vase adorning your workspace or a delicately glazed mug cradling your favourite beverage, Ania’s ceramics encourage us to find moments of stillness and connection in our daily lives.

Ania’s commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond her studio practice. As the founder of Boso Studio, she shares her passion for pottery through teaching classes and empowering others to discover the meditative joy of working with clay.

In a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming, Ania Perkowska’s ceramics remind us of the power of simplicity to soothe the soul. In her artwork, we are invited to embrace the beauty of quiet corners and create havens of peace within our homes amidst the noise.

Exhibition Info

Dates: 1st – 16th June

Location: Estate East, 40 Orford Road, E17 9NJ

Admission: Free

All work exhibited is for sale. You can purchase your piece online and it will be delivered to you once the exhibition is finished. Click here to view and purchase.

About E17 Art Trail

The E17 Art Trail festival makes visible and celebrates the creativity of artists and creative citizens living and working in and around Walthamstow, East London. It is produced and gently curated by Artillery.

​The festival programme grows from the ideas percolating in our neighbourhoods and among artists. Collaborations and partnerships evolve between artists, with businesses, community groups, learning settings, faith places, and neighbourhoods: collectively we transform our experience of where we live, work and play through art.

​The E17 Art Trail grew into an 18 day biennial festival since its inception in 2005. It was devised in 2004 by two Walthamstow artists as a way for artists to share their work locally with next-to-no conventional exhibiting opportunities. In 2024, we celebrate 20 years of the E17 Art Trail!

The 20th Anniversary Edition:⁣
16 days, 150 venues across Walthamstow. The E17 Art Trail is an artist-led, community-powered arts festival. ⁣

The post E17 Art Trail – Minimalist Ceramics for Peaceful Living appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

Tracing ancient connections to natural materials and contemporary mythologies, the eight makers featured in CAA‘s London Craft Week exhibition weave routes through history and across cartographies in which elemental materials such as clay and gold become intermediaries for human relationships to place.

From our ancient past to the modern day, humans have always been drawn to leaving their mark on a landscape. We have laid down stones in memory, scratched names and scribbles into surfaces and collected memories of places we have been. Working across ceramics, textiles and metal, all eight makers featured in Traces: Imagined Histories in Clay, Silver & Thread use materials as an intermediary for human relationships to place and memory. Traces: Imagined Histories in Clay, Silver and Thread presents exciting new bodies of work from both established and emerging makers. The exhibition is presented alongside a series of events, including workshops in weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making floral sculptures from paper clay, and a talk by jeweller Vicki Ambery-Smith on how London’s skyline inspires her fine jewellery.

VICKI AMBERY-SMITH
GILL FORSBROOK
ALI HOLLOWAY
GILLES LE CORRE
NANCY MAIN
ANIA PERKOWSKA
HANNA SALOMONSSON
SASHA WARDELL

Unveiling the Void: Minimalist Black Porcelain at London Craft Week

I’m thrilled to announce my participation in London Craft Week this year! As part of the exciting showcase at the Contemporary Applied Arts gallery, I’ll be unveiling a new collection of minimalist black porcelain vessels.

For years, I’ve been captivated by the interplay of form and function in ceramics. This collection embodies that fascination, stripping away ornamentation to reveal the raw beauty of black porcelain. Each piece is a vessel in the truest sense – a container for light, shadow, and perhaps, the viewer’s imagination.

The rich blackness of the porcelain isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It’s a material exploration, pushing the boundaries of porcelain’s potential. The deep, inky hue is achieved through a specific combination of clays and firing techniques, resulting in a surface that’s both smooth and subtly textured, inviting closer inspection.

The shapes themselves are a celebration of minimalism. Soft curves and clean lines define the collection, with each vessel existing in a harmonious tension between form and space. There’s a sense of quietude and contemplation in these pieces, an invitation for the viewer to slow down and appreciate the subtle play of light on the black surface.

Whether displayed individually or as a curated group, these vessels are designed to be more than just objects. They’re intended to spark conversation, to prompt introspection, and to act as focal points within a space.

A date for your calendar!

📆 13 – 19 May
📍Contemporary Applied Arts, 6 Paddington Street, London, W1U 5QG

The post London Craft Week appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

Nestled within a charming Hackney Downs railway arch, Boso Studio has been designed to run pottery classes, courses and workshops in a comfortable, unique space to explore your creativity and connect with the joy of clay.

We’re more than just a studio; we’re a welcoming community where you can:

• Learn new skills: Master the art of throwing on the wheel, hand-building techniques in our intimate and friendly classes. ‍
• Explore your creativity: Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned potter, we have something for everyone. Unleash your imagination and create unique pieces with our tasters, courses, private classes, clay club and membership.
• Find your zen: Ditch the stress and immerse yourself in the calming process of working with clay. It’s therapeutic, it’s creative, and it’s the perfect way to unwind.
• Connect with like-minded people: Meet fellow pottery enthusiasts, share tips and tricks, and build lasting friendships in our warm and supportive environment.

Here’s what makes us special:

• Small group classes: Fed up with overcrowded, cramped studios? Our classes are just 4 students! Get personalised attention and expert guidance from our passionate instructors in our beautiful, comfortable space.
• Flexible schedule: We offer weekday and weekend classes to fit your busy life. ️
• All-inclusive experience: Everything you need is provided, just bring your creativity!
• Cosy and inspiring atmosphere: Let our light-filled studio be your home away from home.

Ready to get started?

• Follow us for updates, inspiring pottery pics, and special offers!
• Head to our website (link in bio) to browse our classes and book your spot!
• Sign up to our Newsletter to receive the latest updates.
• DM us with any questions – we’re always happy to chat!

We can’t wait to welcome you to Boso Studio and embark on this creative journey together!

The post Pottery Classes in London appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

The Craft Potters Association always curates a strong line up and this year is no exception with 61 exhibitors confirmed, from Cornwall to Scotland.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the world of ceramics, the York Ceramics Fair is an unmissable event. Here are just a few reasons why:

Why visit

• Discover a world of creativity: From delicate porcelain to rustic stoneware, functional tableware to whimsical sculptures, the fair offers a smorgasbord of ceramic delights. Therefore you’ll find everything from traditional forms to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. It is guaranteed to tantalize your eyes and inspire your imagination.
• Meet the makers: One of the best things about the fair is the opportunity to chat with the artists themselves. They’re passionate about their craft and love to share their stories and techniques. So you can learn about the inspiration behind their work. But also the challenges they face, and the joy they find in creating something beautiful from clay.
• Find the perfect piece for your home: Whether you’re looking for a unique vase to brighten up your living room or a special mug for your coffee, you’re sure to find something you love at the fair. With so many talented artists to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a piece that reflects your personal style and taste.
• Support the arts: By attending the fair, you’re not just buying beautiful ceramics, you’re also supporting the livelihoods of talented artists. The fair is a vital platform for established makers to showcase their work and connect with new customers.
• Enjoy a day out in York: The fair is a great excuse to spend a day exploring the beautiful city of York. With its historic streets, charming cafes, and world-class museums, York has something to offer everyone.

York Ceramics Fair – LOCATION

YORK RACECOURSE, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX

Venue: We’re happy to share that York Ceramics Fair 2024 will be hosted at the iconic York Racecourse for another year. This bright and open venue ensures ease of access and on-site parking for guests.

Access: York Racecourse is a fully accessible venue. There will be Blue Badge parking just near the entrance through the Houghton Building where there is a ramp down to the main entrance.

Ticketing: To aid with distancing, tickets are issued for before 1pm and after 1pm. Once inside, you may stay as long as you like.

As always, under 16s do not need a ticket.

Tips for planning your visit to the York Ceramics Fair:

• Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid queues.
• Bring cash as some artists may not accept cards.
• Be prepared to be tempted! There are so many beautiful pieces to choose from, so it’s easy to get carried away.
• Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience. The York Ceramics Fair is a celebration of all things ceramic, so take your time, chat with the artists, and soak up the creative atmosphere.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit the York Ceramics Fair. Finally, if you’re looking for a unique and enriching experience, this event is definitely worth adding to your calendar.

Additional Information:

• The next York Ceramics Fair will take place on March 9th and 10th, 2024.
• For more information about the fair, please visit the official website: https://www.yorkceramicsfair.com/
• To see my other events and exhibitions click here
• If you can’t make it to the show, don’t worry. You can always buy a selection of my work online

I hope you have a wonderful time at the fair!

The post York Ceramics Fair 2024 appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

Why Brown tableware?

Brown is often overlooked as a colour for tableware, but it has a unique ability to ground and evoke a sense of comfort. The natural earthiness of the glaze is reminiscent of sun-baked clay and weathered wood. Moreover, bringing a touch of the outdoors to your table. The brown also provides the perfect canvas for the subtle play of stripes, which add a touch of visual interest without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic.

The Tactile Delight of Stripes

The stripes on these pieces are not simply decorative; they are an invitation to touch. The irregular, hand-painted lines vary in thickness and intensity, creating a surface that is both smooth and textured. As you run your fingers across the stripes, you can feel the subtle ridges and dips, a testament to the handcrafted nature of each piece. This tactile experience adds another layer of enjoyment to your dining experience. In other words, transforming mealtime into a multi-sensory journey.

More Than Just Beautiful

Of course, beauty is only part of the equation. The pottery and tableware from Ania are also designed to be functional. The stoneware clay is strong and durable, ensuring that your pieces will be cherished for years to come.

Bringing Nature Home

Owning a piece of handmade pottery is more than just acquiring a beautiful object. In addition, it’s about connecting with the artist and the natural world. Each piece of my brown minimalist tableware is patiently handcrafted. It is a unique expression of the maker’s creativity, and the use of natural materials like clay and earth-toned glazes brings a touch of nature into your home. When you use these pieces, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re participating in a ritual of slow living and mindful appreciation.

So, if you’re looking for tableware that is both stylish and functional, that invites you to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of life, then look no further than the brown striped collection. With its minimalist aesthetic and tactile appeal, this collection is sure to become a cherished part of your home.

To see more on my Brown Minimalist Tableware:

• Visit our website to see the full collection
• Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses
• Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and promotions

The post The Beauty of Simplicity. Brown Minimalist Tableware appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

Raw, bold, and utterly captivating, the latest collection from Ania Perkowska Ceramics is a testament to the transformative power of fire and clay. Rugged beauty of industrial landscapes inspired these handcrafted pieces. They push the boundaries of traditional pottery, blending earthy elegance with modern edge.

A Symphony of Texture and Form

This collection is a symphony of textures and forms, where smooth surface meets the gritty charm of exposed clay. Burnished smooth surfaces shimmer like moonlight on weathered steel. And geometric shapes – sharp angles, clean lines, and robust cylinders – play against the organic curves of bowls and vases, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

Interactive elements

Each piece is a unique work of art, bearing the mark of the maker’s hand. In addition, they have movable elements which you can play with. The deliberate imperfections, the subtle variations in surface decoration, and the occasional whisper of raw clay – these are not flaws, but rather the hallmarks of true artistry. In short, they tell the story of the fire’s embrace, the dance between human intention and elemental alchemy.

From the potter’s studio to Your home

The new collection of work that Ania created is not just about aesthetics. Moreover, it’s about bringing a touch of industrial magic into your everyday life. These pieces are meant to be used, admired, and touched, adding a touch of raw sophistication to your living space.

More Than Just Inspired Pottery

These black industrial vessels are more than just pottery; they are s a statement. They are a celebration of the beauty found in the imperfect, the unconventional, and the unexpected. It’s an invitation to slow down, appreciate the imperfections, and find beauty in the everyday. It’s a reminder that even the most industrial materials can be transformed into objects of grace and refinement.

So, if you’re looking for something unique, something that speaks to your inner rebel, then look no further. This collection is waiting to be discovered. Browse our online gallery to experience the raw beauty of industrial-inspired pottery first hand.

Finally:

• Visit our website to see the full collection
• Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses
• Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and promotions

We hope you love this new collection as much as we do!

The post A New Collection of Industrial-Inspired Pottery appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

MADE LONDON is a friendly, relaxed contemporary craft and design fair, where the makers themselves meet the public to discuss inspirations, design processes and future projects, enabling maker / consumer relationships. Work can be bought at the event or commissions can be taken.

After an enforced break due to Covid and related issues, MADE LONDON returns to a new venue, bigger and better.

We aim for MADE LONDON to be the best show of its kind in the country. We seek out and select the most original and innovative designer makers in this country and beyond to exhibit with us. A diverse selection of around 120 exhibitors across all disciplines making for an exciting contemporary design and craft fair.

Photo Karen Thomas

MADE London – Visitors Information:

Visitors Information:

MADE London – Tickets

Tickets for entry to the show at a specific time slot will able to be bought online @£10 up to 9 October, @£12 thereafter til 29th October. 

Buy Tickets Here

Tickets also available on the door at £15.00 per person  (children under 14 free).

Opening Times

• Private View Thursday 2nd November 2023 6.00-9.00pm
• Friday 3rd November 2023 from 10.30am – 6.00pm
• Saturday 4th November 2022 from 10.30am – 6.00pm
• Sunday 5th November 2022 from 10.30am – 5.00pm

MADE – Venue

MADE LONDON – ANGEL takes place at THE BLOCK, White Lion Street, Islington, N1 9PD

The Venue is a few yards from Angel Tube station across Islington High Street.

View Larger Map

Cafes

Drinks, cakes and light lunches will be available at MADE LONDON – there are a lot of great cafes and restaurants in the surrounding streets.

Parking

There is on-street parking in Islington and carparks at Upper Street and Elia Street

Public Transport

Angel Tube Station is very close to the venue. Kings Cross/St Pancras is within walking distance/by bus up Pentonville Road.

Access

The Block is fully accessible to customers with mobility issues. There are several parking spaces nearby for those with blue badges.

The post MADE London – The Design and Craft Fair is BACK! appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

With an eclectic selection of ceramic work to suit all budgets, this is your chance to meet the makers and buy everything from practical tableware to ornamental objects and striking one-off collector pieces. Earthy stoneware will be displayed alongside delicate porcelain and vivid painterly pots will contrast with elegant, muted tones in an extravaganza of texture, colour and style. The show will feature a mix of well-established makers together with rising talents and include a live demonstration of different ceramic techniques.

Museum of the Home

136 Kingsland Road

London

E2 8EA

Tickets available now:

https://museumofthehome.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/50730?catID=41874

The post Ceramics in the City appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.

Contemporary Applied Arts will be showcasing 2022 New Maker Members during a special event. Visitors can also join London’s original multi-disciplinary gallery during our Open Weekend (12 – 13 Nov) to meet some of the Makers behind the work. 

This is a brilliant opportunity to learn more about the rising stars of the applied arts industry and browse the brand new collections. 

CAA Members are some of the most talented craft makers in the UK today. They work in variety of disciplines, including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, metal and wood.

Contemporary Applied Arts is London’s original multi-disciplinary applied arts gallery. The gallery is located in Marylebone.

During this show I will be presenting my tall black vessels. They are designed as statement pieces for modern interiors. Wheel thrown black stoneware with white and red decoration. My surface techniques include freehand brush strokes, mono printing and sgraffito. There is an oriental/Japanese feel to my work as well as minimalistic simplicity.

Visitors Information:

Contemporary Applied Arts

6 Paddington Street
London
W1U 5QG

OPENING TIMES                   

Open Tuesday – Saturday

Online 24 hours 

Tues – Fri  – 11:00 – 17:00

Sat – 11:00 – 16:30

CAA was founded in 1948. It has continued to demonstrate the richness of craft in Britain for over 70 years. CAA represents many of the most talented applied artists living and working in the UK today. It is a registered charity and a membership organisation. It includes more than two hundred leading British-based craft-maker artists working variety of disciplines. CAA views this inter-disciplinary approach as a harmonious dialogue between materials. Techniques and diverse approaches to making are equally important. Selected members are craft professionals and are rigorously chosen by a panel of their peers. Belonging to CAA is seen as a kite mark of excellence.

For more information about CAA click here

The post Contemporary Applied Arts appeared first on ania perkowska ceramics.