Louisa Taylor

Louisa Taylor

20092023

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Research interests

As a practice-based researcher, my work centres around museum collections of 18th Century dining vessels, reflecting on the evolution of functional objects to accommodate new foods and dining trends. I am interested by elaborate dining rituals of the period associated with wealth and status and the performance of multi-course dining events. My aim is to create meaningful objects that interplay between still-life, visual composition and encourage social interactions through use.

In 2012, I undertook a six-month ceramics residency at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. My research explored the museum's diverse collections of 18th-century porcelain wares, in particular Staffordshire pickle pots and spoon rests. With an interest for food history, this led to a collection of work entitled Papillion (2013), consisting of a series of serving dishes, made from porcelain and freely assembled. In the base of each dish was a moulded detail of the food. The intention of the piece was, as the food was eaten from the vessel the moulded texture of the food stuff would be revealed to the user - creating a link between historical and modern dining. 

Recent research projects include Sophie Tea Set (2016). This piece is a further conclusion to the body of research for Papillion and explores themes that were beginning to develop during the residency including the role of women in high society and historically, the importance of tea rituals as a female social activity. Another area of research is interdisciplinary material exploration. Through my research, I identified a strong correlation between the forms of metal (silver) tureens and ceramic serving dishes of the 18th century. This prompted an investigation into metal-working techniques (raising, hammering) and applying these techniques to clay. This has led to experimenting with incorporating precious metal components made using cast silver and silver-clay material within ceramic forms. I use assembly and moulding techniques to reference the forms of historical ceramic and metal tureens. Ultimately, the intention of the work is to explore the notion of materiality and prompt a dialogue around interdisciplinary approaches within contemporary craft practice.

Scholarly biography

  1. Louisa Taylor studied a BA (hons) degree in 3D Design: Ceramics, at Bath Spa University (2000-2003) and then spent a year working as a production potter in rural Lincolnshire. This was followed by a Masters degree in Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art, London (2004-2006). Louisa set up her ceramic business in October 2006 and received a Development Award from the Crafts Council in January 2007.

    In 2009, Louisa won the “Batch Production Award” at the prestigious British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke on Trent. This was followed by: “The Evening Standard Homes & Property Best Domestic Product 2009” and “UK Trade & Investment Silver Award for Innovation, Creativity and Potential to Export”.

    Louisa’s ceramic practice is based in Brighton, East Sussex where she produces her ceramics for galleries and collectors in the UK and internationally. Alongside making her work, Louisa is a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) 3D Design and Craft course at the University of Brighton and she is a professional member of the Crafts Potters Association and Contemporary Applied Arts, London. In 2012, Louisa undertook a six-month post (January – June) as artist in residence at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Louisa is the author of two books - Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker, published by Jacqui Small Publishing (2011), and Ceramics Masterclass, published by Thames and Hudson (2020). Ceramics: Tools and Techniques is published in the USA under the title of "Ceramics Bible" by Chronicle books and in 2022 a new revised 2nd edition was launched with updated content and images. A third book "Introduction to Glaze Practice" (working title) is currently in train and is due to be published in Spring 2023 by The Crowood Press. 

    Public collections of Louisa Taylor’s work include: Touchstones Museum, Rochdale; CoCA Museum, York; and Bristol Art Gallery and Museum.

     

Approach to teaching

Through my teaching I reflect and respond effectively to feedback to improve the student’s learning experience. I constantly refresh the content of our course modules to keep them to date and relevant to enable our students to feel confident and prepared for professional life beyond graduation.

Within my ceramics role, I have a playful and inclusive approach to my teaching. I like to encourage learning through process and enable students to feel confident in the development of their skills.

In 2019, I recieved an Excellence in Facilitating and Empowering Learning Award from the University of Brighton.

Education/Academic qualification

Master, Masters Ceramics and Glass, Royal College of Art

2004 → 2006

Award Date: 20 Jun 2006

Bachelor, Three Dimenstional Design: Ceramics , Bath Spa University

2000 → 2003

Award Date: 31 May 2003

External positions

Visiting Lecturer, Royal College of Art

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