Tim Harker Ceramics
I have been working professionally with clay and ceramics since the early 1970's; as a studio potter, technician and tutor. I worked at Chelsea College of Arts, part of the University of the Arts London for over 38 years.
The website shows a selection of work from recent years.
All work shown on the site is wheel thrown, mostly in porcelain, but also some in white stoneware clay.
My research into crystalline glaze over a number of years has led to a range of interesting glazes, using this most fascinating but challenging and unpredictable process. The crystals in the glaze develop in the cooling cycle of the kiln firing and control of their placement and growth is limited. Each piece fired is therefore unique. I aim to catch the growth of the crystals while in the stage of forming and feature them in a subtle way with the background base colour.
I have designed a range of forms to carry and show the crystalline glazes to best effect; cylindrical and rounded, angular and lobed. Small containers in porcelain with finely turned finial handles are also a recurring theme. The interaction between the crystalline glaze running over a matt white glaze provides further surface interest and exploits the fluid nature of the crystalline glaze.
The studio is located in the historic market town of West Malling in Kent and can be visited by appointment for sales through the year.
contact me at t.harker@btinternet.com
This Summer I will not be taking part in South East Arts Open Studios, but I will be having a one off Open Studio at the workshop on Sunday 31st May 2026.
This will be from 11am to 5pm and is on the same day as the popular West Malling Open Gardens event.
As pictured in the blog I will be showing new work which is for use in outside spaces. These sculptural ceramic topped garden rods can be used to create focal points in the garden. Created with the help of Tim Dunmall of Yalding Forge. The finial tops can also include crystalline glazed sections along with the terracotta
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