Walter Keeler, Cut Branch Teapot 2008. © Gallery Oldham

Exhibition preview: Life Forms: Ceramics and the Natural World at Gallery Oldham, running from April 26 – August 30 2008.

In 1928, Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie wrote: “I want my pots to make people think of things like pebbles and shells and bird’s eggs and stone over which moss grows.”

Pleydell-Bouverie's words effectively describe the philosophy of this new exhibition at Gallery Oldham, which features a fascinating range of ceramic works inspired by the natural world.

William Staite Murray, Vase, 1930s. © Gallery Oldham

From the shapes, textures and decoration on the pots, to the techniques used in their creation, the influence of the natural world is evident, from pots resembling sea creatures and plants to aspects of geology and landscape.

The exhibition also features works drawn from the collection at Gallery Oldham by some of the pioneers of studio pottery: Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie, Michael Cardew, William Staite Murray and the Martin Brothers, whose work was inspired by natural forms such as seed pods and bamboo shoots.

Pleydell-Bouverie’s use of matt glazes and natural colours, created by ash glazes from wood gathered from her family home communicate her desire to create natural art.

Katherine Pleydell Bouverie, Bottle. © Gallery Oldham

Hand-built pots of delicate porcelain by a group by a subsequent generation of potters also trace the influence of nature in their work.

Works on display by Mary Rogers and Geoffrey Swindell are reminiscent of marine creatures, fungi and seashells. Other artists whose work is on show include Kate Malone, Walter Keeler, Alison Britton, Peter Beard, Mick Casson and Jim Robison.

Handling objects have been specially made to enable visitors to better understand the techniques used to create the pieces, and to explore the ideas behind them.

A pot by the Martin Brothers, 1902. © Gallery Oldham

Within the exhibition is another special exhibition called ‘Creatures In Clay’ designed specifically for children.

This is an exhibition preview. If you've been to see the show, why not let us know what you think?