Claire Pirie Ceramics

The focus of my work is form, function and enjoying the tactile quality of polished porcelain. The calm pieces are designed to enhance the flowers they hold, the food they serve, the candlelight they project. I throw with porcelain as I love the purity of the clay. Once partially dried the pieces are trimmed to refine the forms. Glazes are limited to clear or white (glossy or satin matt) and exteriors are often left unglazed, so the colour and tactile quality of the clay can be enjoyed.

It was on my Art Foundation course that I found my love for clay and went on to study BA (Hons) 3D Design – Ceramics at Bath. The degree introduced me to many techniques and by my final year I knew thrown functional ware was my thing. After graduating, I was fortunate to gain 3 months work experience at a small pottery in south-west France. On returning to Suffolk the financial realities of setting up my own studio kicked in, so I got a bar job whilst I completed a secretarial course. Over the following 26 years I have been a secretary at Kettle’s Yard, administrator at a local College and University, plus a PA at an Architects.

In 2021 after being a ‘weekend potter’ for 25 years I decided it was about time I became a full time potter and actually sell my work.

I will be exhibiting at the following Anglian Potters Exhibitions in 2025:

29 March – 13 April Undercroft Spring Exhibition, Norwich

2 – 5 May, Anglian Potters at RHS Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford

26 – 27 July, Anglian Potters at Walberswick, Suffolk

If you wish to follow me on Instagram or Facebook I am: @clairepirieceramics and my website is www.clairepirieceramics.com