Design and Create Contemporary Tableware

A highly illustrated step-by-step guide to designing and making contemporary tableware in clay, featuring inspirational pieces by leading designers.

'This book is a go to book for the art of creating tableware... The level of experience between the pages of this book from Sue and Linda is unquestionably invaluable to the reader.' Keith Brymer Jones, Master Potter and judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down

The tableware we use is very important in our everyday lives, whether plates, bowls, mugs, cups or teapots. This stylishly illustrated guide helps budding and established ceramicists alike to create practical and attractive ranges, starting with design principles, working through appropriate construction techniques, and leading on to decoration and finishes.

Leading designers Sue Pryke and Linda Bloomfield explain the importance of inspiration and consistency in design, providing step-by-step guides to the main making methods, which include hand building, pinching, coiling, throwing and slipcasting. They also offer advice on using various clay materials – such as recycled and reused clay bodies – and the combination of clay with other materials including wood, metal, textiles and synthetics. Tips are provided on glaze fit, dishwasher- and microwave-safe glazes, firing and finishing.

Featuring beautiful photographs of the work of such prominent tableware makers as Sasha Wardell, James and Tilla Waters, Reiko Kaneko and Nico Conti, there are many sources of inspiration for those wishing to further their tableware ambitions.

About the Authors

Sue Pryke is an award winning ceramic designer, specialising in tableware design, who has worked with clients including IKEA, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Wedgwood. She is currently a co-judge on Channel 4's hugely successful Great Pottery Throw Down and has lectured at the Royal College of Art and De Montfort University, UK.

Linda Bloomfield trained as a materials scientist before fulfilling her dream of becoming a potter. She has made thrown porcelain tableware in her West London studio since 2003 and sold her various ranges through Liberty and Harrods, as well as to Jamie Oliver's Barbecoa Restaurant and Michelin-starred restaurant The Clove Club. She is a frequent contributor to Ceramic Review and has written several best-selling books on ceramic glazes.