Made from Scratch- ‘Celebrating Julia Carter Preston, Ceramicist’

Image above- Ceramics by Tiffany Scull

 

11th September– 7th November 2026

To celebrate the centenary of the popular Liverpool artist Julia Carter Preston (1926-2012), five Liverpool venues are staging exhibitions on her life and work, which is explored in an accompanying symposium.The programme includes exhibitions at the Bluecoat, Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus, the Walker Art Gallery and the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery & Museum. Together they showcase works from major public and private collections, archive material and contemporary responses by leading sgraffito artists, highlighting Carter Preston’s artistic legacy and the continuing vitality of the technique.
Known for her distinctive ceramics, Julia was recognised for reviving the technique of sgraffito in the twentieth century. This involves scratching through a coating of clay slip on a surface to reveal an underlying layer, creating contrasting decoration.
We have curated a very special exhibition bringing together a striking selection of Julia’s work (on loan from local collectors) alongside leading contemporary sgraffito artists,
Including-
Beth Elliott, Russell Martin, Sue Mundy, James & Tilla Waters, Lara Scobie, Tiffany Scull, Chris Turrell, Anastasia Zama, Molly Attrill, Jo Walker, Ali Tomlin and Judit Esztergomia;
The show expands the conversation into surface and pattern with selected printmakers and jewellers exploring etching, texture and intricate design.
Featuring-
Jewellery by Malcolm Appleby, Hannah Souter, Diana Porter
Silversmithing & engraving by Bob Porter, Ruth Ball
Prints by Dionne Marshall, Jennifer Nuttall
Etchings by Kim Sutherland
Image above-  (Left) Ceramics by Ali Tomlin & (Right) Jewellery by Diana Porter

Exhibition Opening

Thursday 10th September 6pm onwards

Image above-  (Left) Ceramics by Anastassia Zama & (Right) Print by Dionne Marshall

Join us for a special preview of Made from Scratch, on Thursday 10th September, from 6pm onwards, and enjoy a relaxed evening celebrating the region’s vibrant craft scene.

Image above-  Ceramics by Lara Scobie
Images above-  (Left) Ceramics by Jo Walker & (Right) Ceramic by Russell Martin
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