News & Events > Bath Spa University Ceramics Graduate Selected for Liberty's Open Call

Bath Spa University Ceramics Graduate Selected for Liberty's Open Call

10th February 2010

Bath Spa University graduate, Claire Baker, was selected for the second round of Liberty's 'Open Call' for new designers on Saturday 6th February 2010. The Open Call was filmed by Maverick TV for a new BBC2 programme about the process of making through to selling and is due to be screened in the Autumn.

Ed Burstell, Liberty's Buying Director, was impressed by the beauty of Claire's work and thought it particularly suited to gallery settings. He has invited her to discuss the possibility of producing a couple of statement pieces for Liberty's.

Claire's work is press moulded directly from her collection of Victorian china, allowing her distinctive 'broken' edges to be achieved.  She regards her larger pieces as 'drawings' in clay. Each piece is fired at least five times, gradually building up layers of slips, glazes and decals.

Heavily influenced by the chintzy romanticism of the Victorian era, Claire also draws inspiration from the freak shows and obsessive collecting of the time. Spiders, beetles, lips and eyes all weave their way into her designs.

Claire won the Bath Spa University business plan competition in 2008 whilst in her second year at the University and has exhibited in New York and Geneva since graduating in 2009.

Claire Baker Ceramics (click thumbnails to view larger)

  • Dish
  • Platter
  • Shoe
  • Trio