After swiftly growing in popularity over the past two years and even featuring in an episode of Channel Five’s ‘Our Great Yorkshire Life’, Only Clay is preparing to take over Kellham Island Museum for a third instalment this month, celebrating the very best in handmade ceramics.
A collection of the finest potters from up and down the country will again gather in the Steel City to showcase an array of beautifully curated artisan tableware amongst dramatic sculptural pieces sure to add a theatrical flair. A wide scope of creativity will be on show and there will be something to suit every artistic taste.
Handmade pottery itself has won a place in the current boom of food exploration and sustainability; the plate you eat off is as important to the dining experience as the food, the venue and the company. The chosen location of Kelham Island, known as the heart of Sheffield’s industrial past, is bristling with exciting cafes, pubs and restaurants, including the Island café and Millowners Arms pub, which both can be found onsite at the venue.
Only Clay prides itself as being a place for old and new friends alike to get together and share their love of ceramics, whilst allowing for a glimpse into the life of a potter. Across the weekend, there will the opportunity to vote for your favorite stall, which will automatically enter you into a raffle with a chance to win a unique memento to take home. There is also a ‘Potter’s Prize’ on offer for the stall who secures the most votes.
Beyond the exhibition, the organisers of Only Clay, Steve Booton and his family, have this year partnered with Alder Bar on Percy Street to host an after-show party, open to the public and potters alike, giving you the chance to chat to your favorite artists with the backdrop of live music and a sociable atmosphere.
The Booton Family
Expressing her excitement ahead of the event, exhibiting potter and helping hand to the organisers Penny Withers told Exposed: “I just feel a terrific sense of pride that all these great potters are coming to Sheffield.
“We do a lot of travelling around, up and down the country to go to ceramic fairs and we’re hosting some very fine artists. There are many sensational Sheffield-based potters showing as well, I think that’s very important.”
Although ceramics will, of course, be at the heart of the event, it won’t be all about the clay. You will be able to make the most of what else is on the doorstep, with free entry to the Kellham Island Museum across the weekend allowing you to immerse yourself in captivating ceramic art as well as a fascinating piece of industrial Sheffield history.
Only Clay will take place at the Kellham Island Museum 23 and 24 September 2023. For more information, visit www.onlyclay.co.uk.
