HANDMADE TERRACOTTA TABLEWARE IN BRIGHTON

I’m Silvia, originally from Slovakia, and I founded my ceramic studio in Brighton, UK, in 2012, shortly after completing my MDes in Ceramics and Visual Research at the University of Brighton, which I began when I was 28.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to function and timeless design through slip-casting and hand-building. I work exclusively with terracotta clay and make my own glazes in vibrant tones. I create pieces that are durable, warm, and suited for everyday use or interior display. Most of my work is produced in small batches, ensuring consistent quality, while each year I dedicate time to experiment and make unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. This balance between batch production and individual one-off designs keeps my work evolving.

Inspired by my Slovakian heritage, I draw creativity from traditional peasant ware. I just love these unpretentious objects not just for their craftsmanship, but for their practical use and the stories they tell about everyday life. While I respect these traditions, I believe they should evolve to remain relevant, serving as inspiration for modern design rather than being preserved exactly as they were.

In my glaze development, I focus on balancing colour against the earthy terracotta. At the moment, I’m drawn to more complex, tertiary hues. I tend to use simple, timeless patterns—often just minimal marks or blocks of colour that feel both contemporary and lasting. I am always developing new colours, and my new range is based on a creamy tin glaze, layered with coloured glazes that have a soft, pearl-like satin finish. I enjoy working with tin glaze—it connects to my heritage and works especially well on terracotta.

I teach small, casual pottery workshops (4–5 people) with hands-on, personal guidance in my studio. Whether you’re new to clay or want to improve handbuilding, you’ll find a relaxed space to learn, shape your own pieces, and make beautiful, useful pottery. If you want to book a private group, I can be flexible with timing.

Due to the nature of my work, which involves using plaster moulds and the slip-casting technique, I’m only able to produce the established shapes in my range. I can, however, offer a variety of colourways and surface patterns to customise each piece. Please note that testing and sample fees will apply.

I love working with brick & mortar shops and independent retailers. If you’d like to stock my range, please get in touch and I’ll send you access to my catalogue and wholesale information. Worldwide shipping available. I don’t work with dropshipping platforms or social media seller.