There’s something rather special and personable about holding a piece of pottery that’s been lovingly crafted by hand. In this instance, London-based potter, Linda Bloomfield’s beautiful contemporary designs not only captured my eye at the London Design Fair but also connected with me as a person.
Their organic forms, together with Linda’s trademark dimples and visible throwing lines, just yearned for you to reach out, touch and hold them. Which is exactly what I ended up doing and more. Yep, I admit to being one of those types, standing there stroking, caressing and refusing to let go of a new-found discovery. I might look and behave like a deranged child woman, but hey, being in your middle youth allows you to be passed caring what others might think. After all, we should live in the moment, don’t you think?
Meet The Designer – Linda Bloomfield – Handmade Porcelain
Part of Linda’s incredible display at London Design Fair, Old Trumans Brewery, London
The functionality and the detail of Linda’s work really shone through at the London Design Fair and so today I thought we’d take a look together at this incredibly talented creator and her designs. Ready?……
The Designer – Linda Bloomfield
Linda throws around 1000 kg of porcelain clay every year to create her designs.
A hugely successful potter for over 30 years, Linda has seen her quality tableware ranges being stocked by the likes of Liberty and Harrods, as well as being used by the Café Bar in the Royal Albert Hall. Having trained as a scientist before fulfilling her dreams of becoming a potter, Linda has found her scientific knowledge has proofed useful in achieving the beautiful glazes in her designs.
Interested in finding out more about the process of Linda’s work, I found this wonderful video courtesy of R&A Collaborations. It’s not only inspiring but collectively mesmerizing and therapeutic at the same time. It’s actually made me want to go and try out a pottery class myself! Although I’m not sure if I’d have the patience after finding out it can take about 7 years and a heap load of daily practice to achieve the technical skill required, but hey it looks like fun doesn’t it?
The Designs
Thrown by Linda at her studio in West London, her designs are inspired by classic Mid-Century Design; offering a timeless, contemporary appeal of which I personally adore.
Designed in porcelain for its strength, density and purity, the gentle flutes and quirky shapes are a natural response to the throwing lines of the craft process and make each piece completely unique.
A labour of love, each individual piece takes around 3 weeks from start to finish to produce. From the initial throwing, drying and glazing as well as being fired in the kiln. A staggering 50-100 pots are made by Linda herself during this timescale.
The dimples!! Oh, how I love the DIMPLES to some of Linda’s work. They naturally encourage you to pick them up and engage with them; creating a natural fit with your fingers, the design and the beholder really are at one with each other. Love, love LOVE!!
The translucent colours are obtained by using oxides rather than commercial stains adding a subtle quality to them.
Carrying Linda’s signature touches, her new range of porcelain offers you subtle colour on the inside complete with dimples, visible lines and the tactile satin matte glaze which melts on the rims of each piece. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see tiny matt crystals formed during the hand making process.
Each piece is fired to a high temperature which makes them incredibly strong and durable as this process prevents chips. If you live in a busy household, where most things get chucked put into the dishwasher and/or microwave by the kids, you’ll also have peace of mind that they are microwave & dishwasher safe.
Often taking inspiration from Art, Linda’s bottle designs are inspired by Morandi paintings. Preferring to choose 3 colours initially for her designs, a neutral and two contrasting colours, Linda now has extended this range to 6.
If you want to see more of Linda’s new range of stunning hand-made porcelain, check out her website here. And as my youngest has already started his Christmas List (scary I know!!!), I’m going to excuse myself, join in and start mine by adding these (I.E Hubs I hope you’re taking note!)
If you’re after more affordable pieces of tableware, Linda also sells a range of manufactured pieces she has designed. Although, sadly you won’t get the same feel as with her handmade range, but then again, you won’t end up behaving and looking like a deranged person when you refuse to let it go!
Thanks as always for stopping by!
Maria x
Photo credits: Henry Bloomfield for Linda Bloomfield
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