Emma Lacey MSDC

Ceramics

About emma
A relentless dedication to thoughtful and durable design, sustainable practices and interest in exploring the limits of the ceramic material inform Emma’s functional and more exploratory ceramics. Each piece embodies traditions of ceramic production in contemporary contexts using conventional approaches which are tweaked or nudged to invite audience engagement through touch and use. Emma Lacey’s design-led tableware collections combine sensual forms with generous volumes and colourful, tactile glazes making the work functional and comfortable - comforting even - to use.
Biography Back to top

Emma Lacey’s design-led tableware collections combine sensual forms with generous volumes and colourful, tactile glazes making the work functional and comfortable - comforting even - to use. Often thrown very finely, the pieces embody the human touch through internal throwing lines and the manipulated form, the intention is to connect the soft materiality of clay to the hand holding the fired piece.

A relentless dedication to thoughtful and durable design, sustainable practices and interest in exploring the limits of the ceramic material inform Emma’s functional and more exploratory ceramics. Each piece embodies traditions of ceramic production in contemporary contexts using conventional approaches which are tweaked or nudged to invite audience engagement through touch and use. Details in the work reveal the states of clay when worked plastic (as in the Everyday tableware) or, in more sculptural pieces, modelled in plaster, cast or turned at leather hard, thus creating an aesthetic which communicate production technologies, material knowledge and behaviour.

Emma’s first degree was in 3D Crafts at The University of Brighton, specialising in ceramics and metalwork where her sensibility for thinking and designing through making developed. She went on to study for a Masters in Ceramics Design at Central Saint Martins, where her research involved visits to factories in Stoke-on-Trent and Germany. It was during this time that the importance of use became very clear and an interest in the functionality and detailing of industrial products became muse for the intentionality of every piece she makes.

Emma works from her home studio in North London production throwing tableware which is currently stocked at Contemporary Applied Arts, Fortnum and Mason, Contemporary Ceramics Gallery and sold to private clients. Emma has worked with the Conran Shop, Liberty and exhibited her work both nationally and internationally.

Resumé Back to top

I am an educator, ceramic designer and maker. In my teaching I am able to utilise my craft skills and ability to research and collaborate. I have been committed to facilitating learning and personal growth in my students, encouraging risk taking, intellectual interrogation of practice, sensitivity to material and experimentation in their work.

In my design practice, I work with clay and am interested in the relationship between process and performance; the ways in which ceramic tableware can communicate ideas and give pleasure using a rich language of materials, processes and tactile interactions.

Experience

  • 2016-Present Stage 2 Leader, BA Hons Ceramic Design, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Curriculum design and management of the second year of BACD. Teaching across stages 2 and 3.
  • 2000 - Present Self Employed Designer and Maker. Hand thrown studio ceramics. Selling to high-end retailers, private clients and restaurants. Design and production of exclusive ranges for clients. Some work developed for factory production.
  • 2023 – Present External Examiner, University of Hertfordshire, Design Crafts
  • 2019-2022 External Examiner, Swansea College of Art, UWTSD Support in the new course development and standards on the Design Crafts BA.
  • 2015-2016 Second year tutor and acting stage leader BA Hons Ceramics Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL (Associate Lecturer)
  • 2002-2015 Lecturer in 3Dimensional Art and Design, Oaklands College, Hertfordshire. Foundation Diploma, BTEC Diploma, Foundation Degree (University of Hertfordshire accredited). Co-coordination of the Foundation Diploma 2007 – 2009.
  • 2008 Practitioner Lecturer; Summer study course in Ceramic Design, University of the Arts London.
  • 2008 Visiting lecturer, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. BA Ceramic Design, MA Design: Ceramics, Furniture, Jewellery.
  • 2008 Visiting lecturer, University of Brighton. Professional Practice programme on BA Design Crafts.

Education

  • 2005-2007 MA Ceramic Design, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London.
  • 2002-2004 PGCE (PCET), University of Greenwich, London
  • 1997-2000 BA 3D Crafts University of Brighton, E. Sussex. Specialising in ceramics and metalwork.
  • 1996-1997 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Exhibitions/Trade (selection)

  • 2026 London Craft Week ‘Fortnum and Makers’, London
  • 2025 Fortnum and Mason, New range, London
  • 2025 William Morris Gallery, London
  • 2025 New Members Exhibition Contemporary Applied Arts, London
  • 2024 New Members Exhibition Contemporary Ceramics Centre, London
  • 2023 Design Transforms, London Design Festival, London UK
  • 2022 Ceramic Art London, London Kings Cross
  • 2019 Design Junction, Kings Cross, London
  • 2019 ‘Tactility’, London Craft Week, London
  • 2017 Craftmanship Alone Is Not Enough, Lethaby Gallery London
  • 2016 Made London, Marylebone, London
  • 2016 London Craft Week, Conran Shop, Marylebone
  • 2015 Made London, Marylebone, London
  • 2015 Craft, Top Drawer, Kensington Olympia, London
  • 2010 Represented by BEDG @ 100% Tokyo
  • 2010 Pulse, Earls Court
  • 2009 100% Design London
  • 2009 Canary Wharf Window Gallery - Design Gallery 2 (February), London
  • 2008 ‘Best of’ with Hidden Art (September), Tent London
  • 2008 Pulse (June), Earls Court, London
  • 2008 Maison et Objet, (January) Paris
  • 2007 Tent London, (September) Truman Brewery, London.
  • 2007 Hand in Hand, (October) The Embassy of Japan. London
  • 2007 Stoke on Trent Biennial
Selection of Stockists and Galleries
  • 2007 – Present Fortnum and Masons, London
  • Liberty London
  • William Morris Gallery Shop
  • The Conran Shop, London, Paris, Seoul, Tokyo
  • Hakkasan Group restaurants, Global
  • The Design Museum Shop, London
  • The Harley Gallery, UK
  • Sally Bourne Interiors, UK
  • The Newt, UK
  • Sketch, London
  • Bluecoat display Centre, UK

Memberhips and Associations

  • Selected Member – Craft Potters Association
  • Selected Member – Contemporary Applied Arts

Awards

  • Crafts Council Injection Programme Participant (2015-17).
  • Made London Peer Prize 2016
  • Second Prize Award winner, Stoke on Trent Biennial 2007
  • AHRC Professional Preparation Masters Scheme 2006
  • Publications Contemporary Ceramic Design for Meaningful Interaction and Emotional Durability, International Journal of Design, 2009
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