Meet: Rebecca Morris, Ceramicist

We first came across Rebecca Morris’ work just over a year ago and were instantly drawn to her functional, elegant tableware and her passion for the self-taught craft. We chat to the Manchester-based ceramicist to find out how it all started.

Tell us a little bit about your journey and what it took to become a professional ceramicist?

I was first introduced to clay during my Art A-Level (many years ago) when I had the chance to hand build. I really wanted to try throwing on a wheel  - Johnny Vegas - a ceramist with a particular skill in throwing, came to my college to teach ceramics for the last few months of my A levels. Although I was inspired, it was too close to my exams for me to start, so I never actually had the chance to try throwing until about 6 years ago. I signed up for an evening class and after my first go on a wheel, I was instantly addicted.  

However, throwing once a week wasn’t enough and I knew I needed to practice every day. So I bought a small wheel, set it up in the corner of my kitchen, watched YouTube videos and taught myself to throw every night after my kids had gone to bed.

In 2018 myself and some clay friends opened Manchester Ceramics Collective studio in Old Trafford, and that’s when I made the switch from working as a TV producer to making ceramics full time.

Five of us founded the studio, driven by the aim of providing an affordable studio space where potters and ceramicists could develop their practice, and turn their passion into a viable business. Now there are 14 of us sharing the building, each running our own individual businesses from the shared space.

What do you like most about your job?

All my work is thrown on the wheel. I love throwing! It’s the closest I can get to meditating (which I’m no good at) as it requires full concentration and focus. I can honestly say I love what I do.

I’ve been lucky enough to have made work for a number of chefs including Manchester’s current ‘Chef of the year’, which I really, really enjoy. Especially when it involves making slightly unusual or quirky pieces to serve dishes on.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I’m loving making work for a London based collective of Black Chefs called ‘The Future Plate’. Their amazing fine dining cuisine showcases the very best of African and Caribbean dining.

You can purchase Rebecca Morris’s ceramics here.