Teapot with legs, stoneware, 26cm high
Cornishware Tea Set, stoneware with found objects, 45cm high
Jugs, stoneware, 16cm high
Virginia Graham
Virginia Graham produces a range of slip-cast and hand-built tableware using her signature mix of nostalgic imagery and patterns, forms and metallic lustres. She has previously been awarded with a Setting Up Grant (2001) from The Arts Council of Wales, been given a Special Citation at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in Korea (2003), been shortlisted for the 'Homes and Antiques' Talent Around Britain Bursary (2004) and won the Creative Wales Award provided by The Arts Council of Wales (2007).
Virginia set up her studio practice in 2000 after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Ceramics from the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff. She currently works from Fireworks Clay Studios; a self managed ceramic artists' cooperative in Cardiff.
She is a regular exhibitor at craft fairs, such as 'The Contemporary Craft Fair' in Bovey Tracey, Devon and 'Origin', London's esteemed contemporary craft fair, held annually at Somerset House; whilst exhibiting widely in joint exhibitions in the UK and Wales.
Virginia has been published in various magazines, including, Crafts, Elle Decoration and Vogue, as well as appearing in publications 'Teapots' by Steve Woodhead and 'The Potters Guide to Ceramic Surfaces' by Jo Connel, an apt personification to a style that is truly refreshing.
My ceramics are an amalgamation of nostalgic form and imagery, transforming the ordinary past by drawing on a wide range of domestic traditions. Their surface decoration includes slip-painting, enamel transfer and metallic lustre's, making reference to historical wares including the familiar blue and white stripes of Cornish Ware as well as industrial plumbing and Victorian fabrics. The resulting pieces are eclectic and precious with a playful humour yet at the same time are ordinary and familiar reminding us of that bygone era when afternoon tea was a serious business!
Virginia Graham, 2009