London designer Max Lamb used stonemasonry tools to hand-carve the models for this crockery collection from lumps of plaster.
The resulting forms were used to make plaster moulds from which jugs, bowls and mugs were slip-cast by Staffordshire ceramics company 1882 Ltd.
While the exterior surfaces have been left raw, the interiors are glazed for practical use.
The collection will be launched at an exhibition hosted by 1882 Ltd. during the London Design Festival next month.
Bone China will be open from 14 to 22 September at 169 Draycott Avenue, London SW3 3AJ.
Other products by Lamb we've featured on Dezeen include a bronze chair cast from hand-carved polystyrene and furniture cut from solid rock.
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Here's some more information from 1882 Ltd.:
Crockery by Max Lamb for 1882 Ltd.
Fine bone china tableware, made in Staffordshire, England.
A collection of fine bone china tableware slip-cast from plaster models carved by hand, with glazed interior for functionality and raw exterior reflecting the modest surface texture of the plaster original.
The process of slip-casting begins with the creation of a three-dimensional model of the design known as a 'master' by a professional model-maker, from which the production mould is cast. Crockery bypasses this process by placing the responsibility of both designer and model-maker in the hands of Max Lamb. Using the tools of a stone mason Lamb chips and carves a solid block of plaster to make a jug, bowl or mug, the design of each formed quite simply out of their own making.
1882
In 1882 the Johnson Brothers began producing ceramics in the heart of the Stoke-on-Trent Potteries. 130 years later 1882 Ltd. continues the Johnson legacy with the company name evoking the deep routes of the family heritage. 1882 Ltd. was formed in 2011 by fifth generation Emily Johnson and her father, Christopher, who has worked in the industry since 1958. The first collection for 1882 Ltd. were the much heralded lights entitled ‘Bone’ - bisque and rumbled white bone china vessels offering a diffused illumination which celebrate the translucency of the fine bone china.
1882 Ltd’s mission is to champion inventively designed ceramic products from lighting to domestic ware whilst employing the manufacturing heritage of North Staffordshire and promoting the British ceramic industry. In collaborating with exceptionally talented designers to realise their interpretation of a very traditional material and craft, 1882 Ltd. will bring innovative ceramics to a wider audience while supporting a valuable UK resource.
Max Lamb
London-based Max Lamb was born in Cornwall, England, an upbringing that imbued him with a love of nature and a creative spirit which have manifested in his practice as designer and maker. He graduated from the Royal College of Art, London in 2006, was named Designer of the Future at Design Miami/Basel in 2008 and continues to both produce and exhibit his work internationally.
Lamb is known for creating beautifully crafted pieces that have materials and traditional processes at their core. He looks to design products that stimulate dialogue between maker, product and user through a visual simplicity that effectively communicates the obvious.