Inside Ceramic Art London 2026

Clay takes top billing once again at Olympia West between 8–10 May as Ceramic Art London (CAL) returns with an impressive calibre of work. Organised by the Craft Potters Association, and featuring more than 120 exhibitors, the fair is one of the most significant dates in the international ceramics calendar.

This year’s CAL chair Sue Mundy provides us with insight into what to expect, revealing that four new prizes will be awarded to outstanding exhibitors at Thursday evening’s private view. ‘I could name every exhibitor as one I am looking forward to seeing, such is the standard this year. I am personally very excited to see work from Ella Porter,’ she reveals, noting that she has been thrilled to follow her progression and success. Mundy adds: ‘Peter Beard, Ashraf Hanna and James Hake consistently present standout displays. I am also looking forward to works by Matthew Chambers, Dan Kelly, Jane Cairns, and newcomers Elaine Sheppard Bolt and Johanne Coker.’

CAL DEBUTS

Among the first-time exhibitors, several names will surely be familiar to Ceramic Review readers, including Chris Bramble (whose ‘Potters on pots’ feature is on page 35), Uriel Caspi, Cătălin Filip and Russell Kingston. Their work, along with that of other newcomers, traverses diverse paths of expression, style and form. Under the shared influence of cultural folklore, Olga Siruk will showcase hand-built, biomorphic sculptures shaped by Russian tradition, and Seoul-born Jihyun Kim explores Korean mythology and ritual through her boldly coloured works.

Anna Cebular addresses ecological concerns by examining human intervention in our natural environment with aesthetics of moss, roots, and other living organisms. Meanwhile, the weathered textures and layered microcrystalline glazes of Katharina Treml’s thrown vessels are drawn from the rugged Irish coastline.

DRAWN TO GLAZES

Glazes transform clay into luminous surfaces in the hands of Thomas Bohle, whose double-walled bowls shine with quiet precision, as well as Michel François who cloaks moon jars in cascades of jade, blush pink and ocean blue, demonstrating what can be accomplished with reduction firing. The winner of CAL 2025’s Emmanuel Cooper Prize, Matt Horne also returns with his magnetic crystalline porcelain that glows with complex, one-of-a-kind re

CLAY TALKS

Ceramic Review is once again delighted to present the much-anticipated talks programme, offering visitors the chance to hear directly from some of the most influential voices in contemporary ceramics and design. Among the highlights is Felicity Aylieff who will
discuss her monumental pieces made collaboratively in Jingdezhen, China, as well as a conversation between Kate Malone and Dame Zandra Rhodes that explores their shared commitment to bold, expressive design. Reflecting on Rhodes’ influence, Malone remarks in the upcoming documentary Zandra with a Zed, ‘She’s encouraged me to be brave in my work, never play safe, and to have confidence in simplicity.’ Fernando Casasempere and Mella Shaw will also give talks on environmentally engaged ceramics.

A CERAMIC CELEBRATION

Ultimately, the spirit of CAL is captured by its lively, conversational atmosphere, where serious collecting and open curiosity sit side by side. The diversity of work on show offers a compelling snapshot of the contemporary ceramics scene in Britain and internationally, reflecting the innovation and current aesthetic trends within it. As ever, CAL provides the opportunity to buy directly from the maker, a meaningful vote of confidence in contemporary craft and the skilled hands that shape it.    

Ceramic Art London, Olympia West, 8–10 May 2026; ceramicartlondon.com; @ceramicartlondon

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