Events, Foundation
Studio Tour
Friday 21st May, 2.30 – 3.30pm, Rowledge’s Studio, London W9. In association with the Joanna Bird Foundation.
Tracey Rowledge gave an illuminating tour of her studio and discussed her recent bookbinding work and past projects. We would like to thank Tracey for giving a wonderful insight into her workspace and artistic process.
Tracey is an artist and bookbinder, living and working in London. Rowledge’s practice draws from both her fine art and bookbinding training, utilising traditional tools and materials. Through mark-making, Rowledge explores the materiality of objects and their function.
Tracey is a partner in Benchmark Bindery, established in 2009 with Kathy Abbott, to produce high quality and intelligent bookbinding work. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in numerous public and private collections, including the V&A and The British Library.
Exhibitions
Gregory Warren Wilson interview with Joanna Bird
The Gallery has made a short interview with Gregory Warren Wilson in which he discusses his artistic process and his new mosaics for Collect 2021.
Gregory Warren Wilson is an artist, professional violinist and award-winning poet. His most recent work in glass is the culmination of twenty-five years of design. By working on multiple layers of glass set within deep frames, he enables light to interact spatially with the glass, making his work sculptural in its concerns. He balances colour in such a way that each design appears definitively resolved, while at the same time maintaining its asymmetry.
Projects
The Danish Embassy’s Film on Steffen Dam’s Cabinet of Curiosities
The Danish Embassy have made a short video documenting Steffen Dam’s Cabinet of Curiosities, including interviews with Joanna, Steffen and Isobel Dennis, Fair Director for COLLECT. We would like to thank the Embassy for their generosity in supporting important Danish artists, and for producing a fascinating film that truly captures the essence of Steffen’s masterpiece.
Events
Hélène Binet’s ESALA Public Lecture – ‘The Making of a Photograph’
Hélène Binet delves into her photographic processes and illuminates her artistic perspectives in her talk ‘The Making of a Photograph’. The lecture comes as part of the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture’s ‘Frictions’ programme of events, which contributes to ongoing debates in research, practice and pedagogy by celebrating a diversity of voices and a multiplicity of approaches.
Commissions
Steffen Dam’s commission for RAMM ‘Specimens from an Imaginary Voyage’
Steffen Dam speaks with authority about his process and work in this video by Gillian Taylor. ‘Specimens from an Imaginary Voyage’ presents a body of work made exclusively for RAMM’s major Summer 2017 exhibition ‘Sea Life: Glimpses of the Wonderful’.
Film by Gillian Taylor for Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter. This commission was facilitated by Joanna Bird.
Events
Steffen Dam’s “The Journey to M31”
Steffen Dam’s film “The Journey to M31” as featured on Create Day 2020, an event organised by the team behind London Craft Week.
Projects
Serendipity
We are delighted to share with you a selection of beautiful works, all under £500. These pieces would make wonderful gifts. We can pack and arrange local delivery and international shipping.
View pdf (updated 15/06/2020)
Do get in touch if you would like to see the variety we have in the gallery in this range.
Pictured: Candlesticks by Carina Ciscato, Dry Kohiki Cup by Akiko Hirai, Maquettes by James Oughtibridge and Cloudy, White by Tanja Pak.
Exhibitions
‘Landscapes in porcelain’ – Pippin Drysdale in Ceramic Review
Don’t miss the feature on Pippin Drysdale in the latest Ceramic Review, Issue 303 (May/June 2020).
‘It’s when the process feels at its easiest and most natural that most of the gems emerge’
Joanna interviews Pippin on her life and work in porcelain from humble beginnings to gaining international acclaim. Since Joanna started representing Pippin in 2008, her work has been acquired by private and public collections and numerous museums, including the V&A. In 2015 Pippin was named one of Western Australia’s 15 Living Treasures and this year was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at Curtin University, Perth.
We have a selection of works on our website which you can view here and Pippin will be taking part in our upcoming online exhibtion Autoritratto in July.
Pictured: Deep Reach Pool and Wattle Tree, enquire here
Projects, Foundation
‘Richard Batterham, Master Potter’ now on Vimeo On Demand
We are delighted to announce that the film Richard Batterham, Master Potter is now available to watch for free on Youtube. To secure a physical DVD copy of the film for £14, please purchase by contacting the Joanna Bird Foundation Office 0208-995-9960 or email info@joannabirdfoundation.com.
The Joanna Bird Foundation felt it was imperative to make a film about Richard Batterham – a potter of great distinction and the last practicing potter in England trained by Bernard Leach. He is a prime example of how one man with due talent, diligence and discipline can achieve a remarkable and successful lifetime’s work making pots which truly enhance life. Having completed his last firing over summer 2019 this film is essential material for those who admire and are inspired by Richard’s work.
“This fine documentary is a deep dive into one man’s world of making, and the philosophy behind a life in pottery. The sense of accumulation – of time, of clay, of conviction – is palpable in every shot. We also hear from the magnificent David Attenborough and master chef Nigel Slater (who begins every day with his Batterham breakfast bowl). Their voices remind us that often, the most meaningful things in life are rooted in the everyday, indeed, in the dirt beneath our feet.”
– Glenn Adamson. Senior Research Scholar, Yale Centre of British Art
You can also purchase the film on Vimeo On Demand here, which can then be downloaded or watched on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.
Directed by Alex J. Wright
Producer and Interviewer Joanna Bird
Produced by the Joanna Bird Foundation
Exhibitions
Art, Form and Function Talks
In association with the Joanna Bird Foundation
November 2019
For this 25th Anniversary Exhibition Joanna is hosting a selection of artist talks and poetry reading to accompany the show.
William Wilkins in conversation with Joanna Bird
An intimate talk with this distinguished British painter inspired by Venice.
Thursday 7th November 6:30pm
Amy West
Gain a fascinating insight into Venetian glass jewellery making.
Wednesday 13th November 6:30pm
Gregory Warren-Wilson
A reading of his poetry, written in the city of Venice.
Wednesday 20th November 6:30pm
Charlotte Hodes
Interactive artist’s talk by ceramicist and print maker Charlotte Hodes
Wednesday 27th November 6:30pm
RSVP is essential to all events – RSVP here
Please be aware that spaces are limited and will fill up quickly
Exhibitions
Art, Form and Function
30 October - 30 November 2019
Why should Art not stimulate us in our homes especially in our daily routines?
This 25th Anniversary exhibition is to celebrate Joanna Bird’s life as a Gallery owner exploring decorative objects and fine art over the last 30 years. The show seeks to capture an enlightened world where beautiful objects appeal and amuse – some charmingly suggest whilst others demand attention – to be handled, utilised, arranged, hung high, touched and dwelt upon.
An opportunity to absorb deeply considered objects made with integrity is a life enriching experience. These objects are at the heart of the matter, enduring beauty is never to be underestimated for the pleasure it can bestow.
Each of us has a favourite cup, plate, teapot or bowl to which our eye and hand involuntarily reach out. Just imagine if all the objects and utensils were our favourites (assuming that we had managed to jettison any with loosely sentimental value or not quite what we would have chosen ourselves) suddenly our specific living area becomes a curated space punctuated with our chosen pieces; we would be delighting in them daily and spoilt for choice.
Many years of discerning selection of objects and art has gone into the pieces chosen for this exhibition. The artists all excel in their fields. We do hope you will come and view the marvellous work on display in Art, Form and Function and consider objects which are visually compelling, made by hand and heart felt.
For the first time Joanna Bird is delighted to be showing the striking pointillist paintings by distinguished artist William Wilkins, CBE.
Come and see the elegance of Matthew Warner’s cups refreshingly researched after Josiah Wedgewood’s production in the 18th Century. Delight in the wit of Charlotte Hodes’ printed collages of fashion, decorating a coffee service and other fine platters. Feel the rough texture of LOEWE finalist Akiko Hirai’s unglazed cups and sake bottles. Witness the playfulness of Carlo Moretti’s cocktail glasses (limited editions). Relish the anticipation of a déjeuner sur l’herbe with Chiarastella Cattana’s hand woven linen napkins whilst relaxing on her jacquard blanket woven in the Dolomites. Be charmed by Marie-Rose Kahane’s delicate glass garniture composed of subtly evolving shapes; vases which will lend elegance to any table centre. Enjoy the conceptual glass by Geoffrey Mann and distinctive silver jug forms by Adi Toch. Imagine arriving at the Opera in one of Amy West’s exclusive glass necklaces created by transforming rare coloured glass into jewellery, exclusive to Murano.
To complement these artists Joanna will be showing ceramic work by Richard Batterham, Svend Bayer, Carina Ciscato, Rupert Spira, Michael Cardew, Joanna Constantinidis, Ruth Duckworth, Hyejeong Kim, Edmund de Waal and Edward Hughes. Presenting a rich gallery of Masters and Students, Designers and Craftsmen this exhibition will excite your imagination, it is not to be missed.
Exhibitions
Sublime Alchemy Events
May 2019
We are hosting a series of special evening events to accompany the Sublime Alchemy exhibition:
Plants, Sculpture & Landscaping
Join us on a walk and talk through the gallery garden with Joanna Bird and Tom Freeth, gardener at Kew Gardens.
Tuesday 14 May 2019, 6:30pm
Artist’s Talk: Akiko Hirai
Japanese ceramicist, Akiko Hirai, will be in conversation with Joanna Bird, discussing her creative process and her pieces on display.
Thursday 16 May 2019, 6:30pm – This event is now fully booked
“Firing the Imagination”, Gregory Warren Wilson
A short reading by Gregory Warren Wilson, inspired by ceramics, including a new poem created in response to the Korean art on display in the show.
Monday 20 May 2019, 6:30pm – This event is now fully booked
RSVP is essential to all events – RSVP here
Exhibitions
Sublime Alchemy
8-25 May 2019
Under the theme of Korean and Japanese ceramics, we introduce new artists for this Spring exhibition. The show explores the fascinating contrast of aesthetics between both cultures and ceramic styles.
A rare group of works by the pre-eminent Korean Master Potter, Soon-Tak Ji (1912 – 1994) demonstrate his outstanding achievements. Soon-Tak Ji was deemed a Living National Treasure in his lifetime and remains one of the most influential potters in modern Korean ceramics. These unique pieces are wonderfully representative of his output at its best.
Hyejeong Kim has created new work in Korea for the show as has Jaejun Lee. Their work adds an ingredient of very contemporary Korean ceramics available and an interesting contrast to that of Soon-Tak Ji; who built his repertoire having researched the Joseon period in depth.
Japanese potter Akiko Hirai’s style is instantly recognisable, and she too has created new work for the show. Kaori Tatebayashi has Still Life framed compositions on view while Hiroko Mita’s vessel form exudes tangable energy. Miyu Kurihara excels in her hand painted Mini Moon jars adding to this distinguished group.
The presence of Moon Jars is celebrated by Adam Buick; some glazed in seaweed or other unusual organic ingredients. Svend Bayer is exhibiting some of his best work to date. These are amphorae in form and character, placed in the firebox of his wood fired kiln for at least three days with unimaginable results, a perfect example of ‘Sublime Alchemy’. John Ward’s considered understated pieces show us how black manganese can appear as bronze, underlining the transformation from clay to artefacts of great beauty, through oxides and fire.
Featuring artists including:Halima Cassell, Carina Ciscato, Pippin Drysdale and Katie Spragg adding to this talented group of ceramic artists. Adi Toch presents her shimmering, brightly coloured silver vessels and James Oughtibridge shows us how black and white ceramic sculptural forms command attention in the garden. Also included; past masters Kenkichi Tomimoto, Joanna Constantinidis and Lucie Rie.
In collaboration with LVS and Icheon City.
Exhibitions, Projects
Joanna Bird at CAL’s Claytalks
This year as part of Ceramic Art London’s Claytalks Joanna will be delivering an overview of her varied career. From the early days of creating pots at Wenford Bridge Pottery with mentor Michael Cardew to running a successful Art Gallery. Joanna will be discussing her charity the Joanna Bird Foundation, how and why she created it and the films she is so passionate about making. Join us for the talk on Saturday 23rd at Ceramic Art London, Central Saint Martins.
Ceramic Art London
Lecture Theatre
Central Saint Martins
King’s Cross
Saturday 23 March
1.00 – 2.00 pm
Exhibitions
Collect 2019
Joanna Bird is delighted to be returning to Collect 2019.
We have a wonderful mix of new and established artists, all with their unique voice and quality craftsmanship.
We will be showing work from:
Halima Cassell, Steffen Dam, Sara Dodd, Pippin Drysdale, Joseph Harrington, Catrin Howell, Theis Lorentzen, Hattori Makiko, Nest Design, James Oughtibridge, Bruno Romanelli, Lucie Rie, Matt Sherratt, Katie Spragg, Karlyn Sutherland, Kaori Tatebayashi, Adi Toch and John Ward.
28 February – 3 March, 2019
Opening Times:
Thursday 28 February: 11am – 5pm
Friday 1 March: 11am – 6pm
Saturday 2 March: 11am – 6pm
Sunday 3 March: 11am – 6pm
Saatchi Gallery
Duke of York’s HQ
King’s Road
London
SW3 4RY
Exhibitions
Poetry Amongst the Pots
On the 8th November we were delighted to have poet Gregory Warren Wilson join us for a special event during Heavenly Bodies, Earthly Forms. Poetry Amongst the Pots offered an evening of performance by Gregory followed by a Q&A covering inspirations, influences and his favourite pieces from the exhibition.
Collections of Gregory’s poems now on sale for £5, plus P&P, please email us on info@joannabird.com for details.
Exhibitions
Heavenly Bodies, Earthly Forms
6-23 November 2018
6-23 November 2018
19 Grove Park Terrace, London W4 3QE
Open 10-5.30pm
Closed Sundays
Central to the show is a focus on the celestial-like quality of the exhibited pieces by contemporary pottery, glassware, and furniture staples such as Pippin Drysdale, Helen Beard, Dylan Bowen, Nason Moretti and Nest Design.
Edmond Byrne’s textured glass forms complement and contrast the illustrative quality of Helen Beard’s bowls depicting bustling markets and serene ponds. On her part, National Living Treasure, Pippin Drysdale’s, vibrant porcelain lustre vessels sit atop pieces of exquisite lacquered furniture fashioned by Neil and Annabel McCarthy, the masterminds behind Lasalle’s Nest Design.
Continuing on with the theme of decorative forms as heavenly bodies, visitors will further discover delicate Murano water glasses from Italian maestro Nason Moretti curated alongside Yo Thom’s striking Ai-Indigo-glazed domesticware, perfect for gift giving.
The exhibition also includes ceramic works by Sara Dodd, Takeshi Yasuda, Kaori Tatebayashi, James Oughtibridge and Joanna Constantinidis. The virtuoso ensemble is completed by Royal College of Art graduates Alice Walton and Ian Thompson who showcase exciting new sculptural forms.
We hope you will come to explore the entrancing cornucopia of treasures presented in this unusual Christmas show.
Exhibitions
Decorex 2018
Joanna Bird returns to Decorex International by Special Invitation
Joanna Bird will be returning to Decorex International from 16-19 September at Syon Park, London with a selection of beautiful works of art created by world renowned artists and craftsmen. We will be showing an exquisite collection of fine lacquered furniture, elegant glass sculptures and bold ceramics. Works exhibited include pieces by Pippin Drysdale, Halima Cassell, Clive Bowen, Adam Buick, Hattori Makiko, Sandy Brown, Wouter Dam, Steffen Dam, Bruno Romanelli, Pierre Jeanneret and NEST Design.
Exhibitions, Projects
2 on 3 dimensions – Joanna Bird and Elizabeth Fritsch in Conversation at the Fitzwilliam Museum
23 May 2018
1.15pm
As part of the programme alongside Things of Beauty Growing: British Studio Pottery exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Elizabeth Fritsch CBE and Joanna Bird will be in conversation discussing Elizabeth’s work and career.
Admission is by token, one per person, available at the Courtyard Entrance desk on a first-come first-served basis from 12.45 on the day of the talk. Induction loop available.
http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/calendar/whatson/conversation-2-3-dimensions
