Background and Transition to Ceramics

Rebecca Morris, a ceramicist based in Manchester, began her foray into pottery in 2016 shortly after the birth of her son. This venture has since blossomed into a successful business providing elegant crockery for high-end restaurants. Morris emphasizes the meditative nature of her craft, stating that working with clay requires complete focus and concentration. This transformative process allows her to create beautiful functional items that chefs and diners cherish.

From Television to Ceramics

Prior to her ceramics career, Morris worked in television. Her journey began as a runner while dreaming of a TV career during her teenage years in Merseyside. She gained initial experience by volunteering at a local radio station, eventually studying media at the University of Birmingham. Morris progressed through various roles, becoming a producer by the age of 26 and working on notable Channel 4 programs like Location, Location, Location. However, the demanding hours and frequent travel became challenging after starting a family, leading to her career shift.

Embracing Pottery

Morris first encountered pottery in her school years, where she was taught by comedian Johnny Vegas. Upon enrolling in a ceramics class in 2016, she quickly became captivated by the medium. With a desire to learn more, she purchased a pottery wheel and began practicing at home, supplementing her knowledge with online tutorials. Collaborative efforts led her to co-found the Manchester Ceramics Collective, a shared studio space that encourages camaraderie and resource sharing among potters.

First Steps in the Market

Her first sale came in 2017 during a Christmas event at her studio, where she sold a bud vase for £25. Surprised yet emotional about the sale, she continued to pursue her craft. Encouraged by a friend to connect with restaurant owner Mary-Ellen McTague, Morris undertook her first major commission of 100 items. Despite her inexperience at the time, this project solidified her resolve to turn her passion into a full-fledged career.

A Day in the Life of a Ceramicist

Morris’s daily routine begins around 8:30 AM after ensuring her children are ready for school. A typical day involves several stages of the pottery-making process, which takes about three weeks from inception to completion. Key steps include:

• Weighing and wedging clay to eliminate air bubbles.
• Throwing pieces on the wheel.
• Trimming the shapes once dried.
• Firing in the kiln, first for a bisque firing at 1,000°C for approximately 36 hours.
• Sanding and glazing before a final firing.

The Rewarding Aspects of Ceramics

For Morris, the most fulfilling aspect of her work lies in the creative expression it fosters and the ability to earn a living doing what she loves. Collaborating with chefs is another highlight, as she often invites them to her studio for discussions, exchanging ideas for bespoke pieces. With a vision to uplift fellow artisans, Morris launched Asanka, an agency dedicated to showcasing the work of ceramic makers, reflecting her belief that collective success benefits everyone in the craft community.

Connect with Rebecca Morris

To explore more of Rebecca’s work and follow her journey in ceramics, find her on Instagram: @rebeccamorrisceramics.