Terra – Artist residency

Terra was a local residency opportunity offered by Artcore from 4th September to 28th October 2023, celebrating the deep-rooted connection between Derby and ceramics.

Derby has been a hub for ceramics and porcelain production for centuries, home to renowned brands like Royal Crown Derby and Denby Pottery. Royal Crown Derby’s illustrious history includes crafting china for the legendary HMS Titanic and creating unique pieces for Salvador Dalí. Denby Pottery, famous for its salt-glazed pottery, played a crucial role in the 19th century when glass was scarce.

Located just an hour away from Derby, Stoke-on-Trent, also known as The Potteries, has been the epicentre of porcelain production for over 300 years. The region’s numerous museums dedicated to ceramics showcase the evolution of techniques and styles, inspiring ceramic artists worldwide.

The residency highlighted ceramics as a significant art form, allowing artists to immerse themselves in Derby’s rich ceramic heritage.

Following the residency, an exhibition titled “Terra” was held at Artcore Gallery from 1st December 2023 to 20th January 2024, with a public launch on Friday, 1st December. The exhibition featured works by Hayley Blackwell and Kate Langrish-Smith, who explored Derbyshire’s ceramic legacy through unique lenses during their two-month residency.

• Hayley Blackwell drew from her hands-on experience on the ceramics production line at Royal Crown Derby, offering a perspective on the dedication and craftsmanship behind each ceramic piece in an era of mass production.
• Kate Langrish-Smith, inspired by her Sheffield roots, incorporated elements of Derby’s locomotive history into her work, using cast tools and components from the railings alongside Derby Midland railway station to reflect the city’s industrial past.

The exhibition symbolised Derby’s long-standing relationship with ceramics and celebrated its contributions to contemporary ceramic art.

Forming of Terra: Artist Talk

“The Forming of Terra” event enabled local artists to share their creative journeys, discuss their work, and engage directly with the community. By hosting these talks, we foster a supportive environment where artists can gain visibility, exchange ideas, and build creative connections with the wider arts network within Derby and the East Midlands.

The evening comprised of:

1. A talk by Elizabeth Woledge, Director of the Royal Crown Derby Museum. Woledge delved into the fascinating history of ceramics in Derbyshire and the legacy of the Royal Crown Derby, one of England’s oldest porcelain manufacturers, celebrated for its exquisite commissions and the use of fine bone china.
2. A talk featuring Artcore’s resident artists of “Terra,” Hayley Blackwell and Kate Langrish-Smith. The pair shared their Artcore experience and the development of their artistic practices.

Through these conversations, we celebrated artistic expression and strengthened the bonds within our local arts community.