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Celebrating Ceramics

Celebrating Ceramics: An Artist-Led Showcase of Contemporary Clay Art

Celebrating Ceramics is an artist-led event that brings together the finest talents in contemporary ceramics, offering an immersive experience for craft lovers, collectors, and the creatively curious. Held in the scenic setting of Waterperry House and Gardens, this event is a unique celebration of the artistry, diversity, and innovation found in modern clay work.

At the heart of Celebrating Ceramics is a vibrant community of over 140 makers—each one handpicked for their skill, originality, and passion for working with clay. With many artists demonstrating directly at their stands, visitors are given a rare glimpse into the processes behind their creations. This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s an invitation to connect, learn, and appreciate ceramics in a deeper way.
Discovering the Artists: Meet, Watch, and Collect

A Marketplace That Celebrates the Maker

What sets Celebrating Ceramics apart from other craft fairs is the direct relationship it fosters between artists and attendees. Visitors are encouraged to speak with exhibitors, ask questions about their work, and even watch live demonstrations as clay is shaped, carved, or glazed right before their eyes. This exchange makes the event both educational and emotionally enriching.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can:

Engage in one-on-one conversations with exhibiting artists

Observe live demonstrations and studio techniques

Purchase original pieces directly from the maker

Gain insights into various ceramic styles and traditions

Discover emerging talents and established ceramicists alike

Whether you're a seasoned collector or discovering ceramics for the first time, Celebrating Ceramics makes space for genuine discovery.

A Stunning Location That Enhances the Experience

Waterperry House and Gardens: A Perfect Setting for Art

The event is beautifully staged in the historic and picturesque grounds of Waterperry House and Gardens—an inspiring venue that enhances the creative atmosphere. With its lush surroundings, ornamental gardens, and classic English charm, Waterperry creates a serene backdrop that elevates the event into something truly memorable.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the gardens, take breaks between browsing exhibitions, and enjoy a full sensory experience that blends nature and art in equal measure. The setting allows for both contemplation and connection, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle of everyday life.

More Than Ceramics: A Dual Celebration of Craftsmanship

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair Joins the Celebration

Adding another layer of artistry to the weekend, Celebrating Ceramics runs in tandem with the Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair. This parallel event features a carefully curated selection of the UK’s most talented contemporary jewellers and silversmiths. With one ticket granting access to both, visitors enjoy a richly diverse craft experience in a single venue.

Highlights of the joint event experience include:

A variety of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind ceramic works

Unique jewellery and silver pieces ranging from classic to avant-garde

The opportunity to purchase directly from British craft leaders

Live demonstrations across both art forms

A shared ethos of supporting independent artisans and slow design

This dual-event format enhances the visitor experience by offering more creative touchpoints and opportunities to discover high-quality, handmade works.

Celebrating Techniques, Traditions, and Contemporary Clay

The Evolution of Ceramics in a Modern Context

Celebrating Ceramics doesn't just showcase beautiful objects—it also reflects on the evolution of ceramics as both craft and art. Exhibiting artists span a wide range of influences, from traditional hand-building methods to contemporary sculptural experimentation and design-oriented functionality.

The diversity of practice on display helps illuminate ceramics as a living, adaptive medium—capable of storytelling, functionality, and innovation all at once.

Visitors will find artists working in:

Stoneware, porcelain, raku, and earthenware

Wheel-thrown, slab-built, and sculpted forms

Glazing, pit firing, and alternative finishing methods

Conceptual and decorative approaches to ceramics

Sustainable and locally sourced materials

This wide scope of creative expression invites conversation about clay’s place in contemporary culture, encouraging both seasoned collectors and newcomers to think differently about what ceramics can be.

Community, Creativity, and Connection

A Welcoming Space for All Generations of Art Lovers

One of the event’s greatest strengths lies in its accessibility and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're an expert in ceramic processes or a family looking for a creative weekend outing, the event is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and enriching for all.

Interactive workshops, artist talks, and family-friendly spaces make Celebrating Ceramics feel more like a community gathering than a conventional art fair. The event encourages people not just to observe, but to participate and take inspiration home.

Visitors especially enjoy:

The relaxed and open atmosphere among artists and guests

Food and drink vendors offering local and artisanal refreshments

Opportunities to take home original, handmade items

A sense of shared passion that energizes and inspires

Connecting with people who share a love for craft and creativity

This spirit of connection ensures that Celebrating Ceramics is more than a marketplace—it’s a space for dialogue, curiosity, and lasting memories.

Why Celebrating Ceramics Stands Out

Celebrating Ceramics offers a rare blend of quality, intimacy, and beauty. From the setting at Waterperry House and Gardens to the personal interactions with makers, every detail is designed to honor the ceramic arts and those who practice them.

It’s not just an event to attend—it’s a moment to be part of a living, breathing craft culture. With the added bonus of access to the Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair, visitors walk away with much more than beautiful pieces—they leave with stories, knowledge, and a renewed appreciation for handmade art.