Ceramics Unbound: Hampstead 2026
We’re delighted to launch an inaugural ceramics exhibition at Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, 6–10 May.
Affordable Art Fair
Tuesday 21 April, 2026
Mella Shaw, Janus Forms (set of five) © Shannon Tofts.
Something new is coming to Affordable Art Fair Hampstead this May. For the very first time, we’re dedicating an entire exhibition to ceramics, and with the medium’s recent rise in popularity, there’s never been a better time to do it.
“We have seen significant growth in sales of ceramic art across our London fairs, and we are delighted to be creating a new Ceramics Unbound spotlight at our Hampstead fair. With ceramic art currently enjoying a renaissance in the UK and internationally, we look forward to showcasing some of the most fascinating and standout artists working in ceramics today, and connecting them with new collectors and appreciators.” – Hugo Barclay, UK Director, Affordable Art Fair
Curated by Caroline Jackman, Ceramics Unbound brings together 27 brilliant ceramicists – an extraordinary range of approaches and ideas.
“My curatorial vision is bold and forward-thinking, committed to expanding perceptions of ceramics by championing exceptional craftsmanship, powerful narratives and innovative design. This exhibition promises a dynamic and engaging showcase for collectors and audiences alike.” – Caroline Jackman, Curator of Ceramics Unbound
Below, we introduce just a handful of the artists and themes you’ll discover at Hampstead, but trust us, the full selection is well worth the visit.
Earth and Nature
Clay comes from the earth, and for many of our artists, that connection runs deep. From Adele Howitt’s sculptural explorations of wild plant species found in historic landscapes, to Hanna Salomonsson’s vessels that seem to carry the spirit of ancient trees, nature is woven into the very fabric of this exhibition. Ikuko Iwamoto, Chloe Lennon, and Karen Thompson push this further still, using their ceramics to quietly but powerfully question our relationship with the natural world.
Forming Identity
For many of the artists in Ceramics Unbound, working with clay is an act of self-discovery. The medium invites intuition, vulnerability, and honesty – qualities that make it uniquely suited to exploring who we are and how we connect with others.
Emily Gibbard transforms wheel-thrown vessels into biomorphic sculptural forms that explore body perception, identity, and sexuality. Ying Zheng’s porous, abstract structures map the inner landscape of the mind. And Chris Turrell draws on queer history and the artists whose lives helped shape his own sense of self, creating work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Clay as a Medium
There’s something elemental about clay, and the artists of Ceramics Unbound know it intimately. Mella Shaw, Kyra Cane, Jim Gladwin, and this year’s campaign artist Sara Dodd each embrace the raw qualities of the material, intuitively coaxing it into forms that are as bold as they are poetic.
As Sara Dodd puts it: ‘I fell in love with pottery at school. There’s something so exciting about the wet, malleable material of clay, which can be fired and turned solid and permanent.’
Download our Ceramics catalogue (PDF) for more information and discover the full Ceramics Unbound programme at Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, 6–10 May 2026.
Book online today for advance ticket prices.
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