Celebrated Cumbrian potter Jim Malone is one of four leading UK ceramicists whose work is being showcased in a new exhibition at Cockermouth’s Castlegate House Gallery.
The gallery – named by The Times this year as one of the country’s top ten commercial galleries – usually has the likes of David Hockney, Sheila Fell, Winifred Nicholson, and Norman Cornish on its walls, with their collection of studio and contemporary ceramics – including works by Grayson Perry – taking secondary spots within their art exhibitions.
Now owners Steve and Christine Swallow say they want to redress the balance after 10 years at the gallery by putting ceramics centre stage for the first time.
The exhibition, Four Artists, Three Dimensions, brings together work by three masters of their discipline and one artist producing early-career work far in advance of his years.
They are Cumbria’s Jim Malone, internationally renowned ceramic artist and sculptor Jason Wason, ceramic artist Colin Pearson, and up-and-coming bronze artist David Hochhauser.
“Jim Malone is without doubt one of the most respected and acclaimed studio potters not just within the UK, but worldwide,” said Steve Swallow.
“The fact that he lives and produces his work right here in Cumbria is a massive bonus. From his rural studio not far from Wigton, Jim produces exquisite examples of pottery in the tradition of the past greats such as Bernard Leach.
“Anyone who visits Castlegate House cannot fail to have realised that alongside our passion for contemporary and 20th century British art, we have a passion for studio and contemporary ceramics.
“This exhibition continues our ethos of exhibiting artists at the peak of their careers and disciplines whilst also supporting and showcasing new young talent at the start of their journey, something we’re passionate about.
Four Artists, Three Dimensions runs until July 24.
The gallery is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
