An exhibition of contemporary kitchenware spanning the broadest spectrum of design, and representing a diverse range of approaches to contemporary craft. This is a lighthearted look at some of the most innovative and witty design being produced in the UK today, juxtaposed with more traditional ceramic pieces.

The exhibition focuses on work by both young and established craftsmen and designers, including amongst others; Julian Stair, Edmund De Waal, Rupert Spira, David Clarke, Robert Dawson, Nicholas Rena, Daniel Fisher, Gilda Westermann, Dai Rees, Paul Smith, Louisa Raven, Geraldine McGloin, Unity Peg, Hub and Suck UK .

The selection concentrates primarily on glass and flatware conceived for both storage and presentation. Whilst the exhibition includes works that could be considered “exhibition pieces”, such as Nick Rena’s large white earthenware jug which has been dyed with inks and polished with beeswax or Julian Stair’s Five Cups (porcelain and basalt cups on a handbuilt red stoneware ground) others such as Suck’s salt and pepper snooker-balls, are mass produced and available at modest cost from leading British stores.

A small publication was produced to accompany the showISBN 0863555152 Available from Cornerhouse www.cornerhouse.org

Collection Artist(s)

Glossary

  • Contemporary

    Existing or coming into being at the same period; of today or of the present. The term that designates art being made today.

  • Craft

    The creation of handmade objects intended to be both useful and decorative.

  • Design

    The arrangement of elements or details in an artefact or a work of art.

  • Earthenware

    One of the three major types of pottery, the others being stoneware and porcelain. It is opaque, soft and porous unless covered completely with glaze. The firing temperatures can be low - 800ºC or high - 1200ºC, when it starts to vitrify, becoming stoneware.

  • Porcelain

    One of the three major types of pottery, the others being stoneware and earthenware. Porcelain is fired in the region of 1300ºC to produce a white vitrified and translucent body.

  • Stoneware

    One of the three major types of pottery, the others being earthenware and porcelain. A buff, gray or brown clay is mixed with other clays and ceramic materials to make a heavy, opaque, highly plastic clay body that is fired at a high temperature - above 1200ºC. It is in between earthenware and porcelain in its character. The term stoneware also refers to the clay body and objects made from it.