The Hepworth Wakefield's ceramics fair will be held online this weekend

The Hepworth's annual ceremaics fair is set to go ahead this weekend - but unlike most years, you'll find it online.
Carla Murdoch workCarla Murdoch work
Carla Murdoch work

The gallery brings together makers from all over the UK to sell unique ceramic pieces ranging from jewellery to homeware.

It's the first time, the ceramics fair has been held online.

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Simon Wallis, firector of The Hepworth Wakefield, said: “The Hepworth Wakefield is a charity that is currently unable to earn the income upon which we rely so heavily, so we know what a challenging time this is for us all.

Alex Sickling workAlex Sickling work
Alex Sickling work

"However, it is particularly difficult for independent artists many of whom have lost commissions and other contracts. This online initiative is one of the ways we are supporting the many talented artists with whom we work. I urge you to go online, find out about the exciting range of makers we are profiling and support them by purchasing some work.”

Visit hepworthwakefield.org/ceramics-fair

Over the weekend May 22 to May 25 the Hepworth will be profile the 55 artists and collectives who had, earlier in the year, been selected to take part in the fair.

The makers include three winners of the Crafts Council’s Hothouse award for makers at the beginning of their careers - Jack Durling (2020), Jenny Chan (2019) and Katherine Lees (2012); Meghan Downs who was named ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the 2016 British Craft Trade Fair; and Matt Cronshaw, part of AGNI in Manchester, who was a finalist in Channel 4’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

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There will also be some familiar names from previous fairs at The Hepworth Wakefield returning, including Carla Murdoch and Alex Sickling. Links will take audiences directly to the artists’ own websites to purchase works to help the artists generate vital income at this difficult time.

As well as featuring the makers in the ceramics air, there will be Q&As with major ceramicists in Wakefield’s art collection, including John Ward and Sara Flynn. Curator diaries will reflect on historic ceramic pieces in the collection, including works by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper.

As the fair would normally feature practical workshops and children’s activities, you can have a look at the THWCreates challenges set by the gallery every fortnight since lockdown.

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