Ceramic Art London, Europe's premier ceramics fair organized by the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain, returns to Olympia West in London from May 9-11, 2025, showcasing over 120 exhibitors from around the world and welcoming approximately 6,000 visitors from more than 30 countries.
International Exhibitors Showcase
Ceramic Art London 2025 features a diverse international lineup of exhibitors from across Europe and as far afield as Canada and South Korea.
This global representation creates a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship that transcends borders, with many UK-based artists drawing inspiration from distant cultures or their original homelands. The exhibition showcases both established ceramicists and emerging talents, including London-based Loraine Rutt, who will display her distinctive palm-sized porcelain globes for the first time after applying to the fair for 13 years.
The fair offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to engage directly with makers and purchase works ranging from affordable pieces under £50 to collector's items exceeding £10,000. Notable exhibitors include Matthew Blakely with his woodfired cups starting at £50, Alison Tomlin's porcelain stem vases at £48, and Moyra Stewart's naked raku pebbles beginning at £30. This price accessibility makes the event appealing to both new buyers and serious collectors alike, reinforcing its position as a premier platform for contemporary ceramic art.
Olympia West Venue Guide
Olympia West is a versatile, light-filled exhibition space in West Kensington, London, offering a flexible venue spread across two floors with capacity for up to 5,000 guests. This modern space features floor-to-ceiling glazing, minimal pillars, and black-out facilities, providing an ideal blank canvas for a wide range of events including exhibitions, product launches, seated dinners, and conferences. With its dedicated entrance and connection to other Olympia London spaces, it forms part of the iconic Grade II-listed venue that has been hosting events since 1886.
The venue offers excellent accessibility with ramps in the foyer and passenger lifts to the upper level, along with convenient transport links via Kensington (Olympia) station, which is served by London Overground and several bus routes. Olympia West provides comprehensive facilities including AV equipment, WiFi, natural daylight, and catering options that can accommodate various dietary requirements including Asian and Kosher cuisine. For events requiring specific layouts, the space can host 2,500 guests for standing receptions, 2,000 for seated dinners, and 1,500 in theater-style configuration.
Talks Programme Highlights
The Ceramic Art London 2025 talks programme, curated by Karen Bray for Ceramic Review magazine and Preston Fitzgerald, offers a rich tapestry of ceramic discourse across the three-day event. Entry to all talks is included with admission tickets, though seating is limited to 230 per session on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programme features thematically organized days with diverse topics spanning artistic identity, cultural narratives, and technical innovation. Highlights include Friday's exploration of "Figurative Ceramics Today" with curator Preston Fitzgerald and artists Enrique Perez Alba-Red and Fernanda Cortes, and Saturday's CPA Keynote by Clare Twomey examining "Making Big: Pioneering the Craft of Scale." Sunday offers compelling sessions including "Figurative Women," featuring four female ceramic artists discussing their distinctive female forms, and Jennifer Lucy Allan in conversation with Isabella Smith about her book "Clay: A Human History." Other notable talks address conceptual ceramics, queer identity in clay work, and ceramics as a performance medium, collectively showcasing the intellectual depth and creative diversity of contemporary ceramic practice.
Hotel for Attendees: Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel
Guests attending Ceramic Art London 2025 can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel, conveniently located just 20 minutes by public transport from Olympia West.
This 4-star boutique hotel offers elegant rooms set around a charming private garden square, just a two-minute walk from Paddington Station with access to the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express. Each room is equipped with modern amenities including complimentary WiFi, smart TVs, rainfall showers, and plush bedding. The hotel also offers a fitness suite, in-room dining, and an on-site bar and restaurant serving international and seasonal British cuisine.
For added convenience, the Mercure London Hyde Park offers luggage storage, 24-hour reception, concierge service, and express check-in/check-out. With its prime location and quiet setting near Hyde Park, it’s an excellent choice for both local and international visitors seeking a restful yet central base during the fair.
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