If you’re a ceramic artist who has a passion for travel, then this new series is just for you! Whether you travel for business or pleasure, we know how keen you are to add some ceramic destinations to your itinerary, and we’re here to help you out.

We’re going to profile some major cities around the world, giving you 5-6 fantastic ceramic stops to explore in each place. We’ll cover all the major ceramic hotspots along with a few hidden gems! We’re going to start our grand clay tour with the capital city of London, England, so fill your favorite handmade mug with some tasty Earl Grey, and come along for the journey!

1. The V&A

South Kensington
Free Admission

Ceramicist or not, no trip to London is complete without a stop at the Victoria & Albert Museum – but for clay lovers it’s a true London must-see. With one of the largest ceramic collections in the world, your visit will cover the entire scope of ceramic history, from 2500 BCE until the present day. The museum prides itself on its collection of contemporary studio pottery from around the world, so you are sure to come across works by some of your pottery idols. With such an extensive collection, you’ll want to give yourself at least half a day here to explore the ceramics collection alone. 

2. Contemporary Ceramics

Bloomsbury, opposite the British Museum
Free Admission

Showcasing the works of selected members of the Craft Potters Association, Contemporary Ceramics is a combination shop and exhibition space for some of the finest ceramicists in the UK. Founded in 1958, the space was started as a way for potters from across Britain to come together, share knowledge and ideas, and support each other in their growing businesses. Currently representing over 200 makers and showcasing a full roster of exhibitions each year, a visit here is sure to leave you inspired!

3. Fulham Bottle Kiln and Fulham Pottery Cafe

Fulham

Combine a bit of ceramic history with a fun family day out at the Fulham Pottery Cafe! The historic Fulham bottle kiln is a Grade II listed building, founded in 1672 by John Dwight, a pioneer in English pottery known for his salt-glazed stoneware. While the kiln is no longer operational, you can spend a pleasant afternoon at the nearby Pottery Cafe, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023. The studio offers a wide variety of unglazed bisque items to choose from, with most of them handmade in Stoke-on-Trent, the UK’s capital of ceramics. With staff on hand to give advice, and a lovely coffee shop right on site, you’re sure to have a relaxing clay-filled afternoon out solo, or with the family!

4. Leighton House Museum

Holland Park
Admission: £11.00 for adults, £5.00 for children up to 18 (Advanced bookings recommended)

Home of painter Frederic Leighton (1830–1896), this ornate home and studio is a Grade II listed building known for its elaborate Orientalist and aesthetic interiors. Rich with history and insights into the life of this famous painter, what makes this site a potter’s dream is the extensive use of tiles by renowned Arts & Crafts artist William de Morgan, alongside 16th-century Turkish tiles, and works of Walter Crane, sculptor Edgar Boehm, and artist/illustrator Randolph Caldecott. Leighton House is a true feast for the eyes, offering a rich ornateness with a surprisingly tranquil atmosphere. With a regular calendar of exhibitions and a fantastic collection of de Morgan’s work, Leighton House is an often-overlooked ceramics destination that’s not to be missed!

5. Ceramic Arts London and Collect

Collect:   Somerset House
Ceramic Art London: Kensington Olympia West

The UK hosts a wealth of art and ceramic related events each year, and among the biggest are Collect and Ceramic Arts London. While not available year round, they are highlight events for the national ceramics community, and well worth taking in if you can time it right.

If you happen to be in London for early March, Collect is a must-see, featuring galleries and collectors who showcase the works of over 400 artists. Hosted by the Crafts Council, Collect is now in its 20th year, and features works of all craft media. Ceramics always have a strong presence at the event, but you’ll be equally delighted by superb glassworks, textiles, and multimedia pieces. This event tends to be well attended, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance, and being prepared for crowds.

Ceramic Arts London is returning this year after a brief hiatus last year, and is a high-caliber ceramics-specific event featuring artists from across the country. Hosted by the Craft Potters Association, this year’s event takes place in April, and is at a brand new venue. If you are looking for a clay filled day featuring superb ceramic talent, be sure to add this event to your calendar!

6. The London Underground

No trip to London is complete without a ride on the famous Tube, and this is particularly true for the ceramic enthusiast! As part of a project spanning over 15 years, Art on the Underground has been commissioning contemporary artworks that enrich the journeys of millions of Underground users every day. Many of the station’s installations feature beautiful tile and mosaic work, such as the William Morris inspired piece at Walthamstow Central, or the recent Clay Station installation by Assemble and Matthew Raw at the entrance to Seven Sisters Station. Also worth a view are the Finsbury Park mosaics designed by Annabel Grey in 1983 which contain 52 differently coloured tiles, and the Alfred Hitchcock inspired scenes at Leytonstone by artist Richard Jones. Whether you set aside an afternoon to explore this network of tunnels and tiles, or you’re simply commuting across the city, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the delightful and diverse ceramic works that color the underground!

London is a city with lots to offer the ceramic lover and artist, and we hope we’ve given you a taste of some of the clay-based destinations you can add to your next visit to the Capital. There are many more locations and events that we haven’t covered, including a vast array of galleries, studios, and markets, so if you have a favorite London ceramics must-see, let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out the UK section of our Directory for more destination ideas, or to connect with local artists!

Be sure to join us for Part 2 of this series, where we head to the Canadian metropolis of Toronto for more ceramic adventures!