Helen Beard graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a BA in Design and Applied Arts with first class Hons. Following her graduation in 2001 she spent time working as an apprentice for renowned Studio Potter Edmund de Waal.

Beard has won several awards including a Development Award from Crafts Council England and Evening Standard Homes and Property Award for Best Domestic Design. Beard illustrates her distinctive works with drawings of quirky individuals and curious places. Inspired by the surroundings of her North London studio you often see the same type of characters appearing in her work such a market sellers and swimmers from the ponds of Hampstead Heath.

Created from Limoges Porcelain all of Beard’s pieces are thrown and then hand painted using techniques developed while in Edinburgh. Using stain-impregnated newspaper her freehand line drawing is transferred onto the pot in a method similar to relief print. Colour is painted over the drawing using different washes of ceramic stain, and finally the pots are dip-glazed and smoothed down ready for the final stage of firing. Each piece is a one of a kind unique vessel.

Helen Beard in the studio

Gallery - click images to enlarge