The Gallery
Located in the pretty harbour village of Saundersfoot, along the Pembrokeshire coastal path and surrounded by the stunning coastal landscape that inspires Richard’s work, you will find probably one of Wales’ smallest galleries.
This beautifully restored former 19th century chemist shop, decorated in a contemporary west coast style, is the perfect setting to meet Richard and discuss his work. Richard makes his work in his pottery studio located further along the coast which is not open for public viewings.
Gallery Opening Times
Thursdays 11am to 4pm. Fridays 10am to 3pm, and Saturdays 11am to 4pm
Private appointments are available outside of these times throughout the year.
Private appointments are a great way to meet Richard and discuss his work in the relaxed and welcoming environment of his gallery. These appointments are available without any expectations of purchasing as they provide a flexible option for Richard to be able to work in his studio and operate the gallery.
On-line Gallery
The on-line gallery updated with new work throughout the year an an easy way to have Richard’s work delivery to your home with free UK shipping available, and competitive international rates. For large sculptural work, personal free delivery and installation is also available, please contact Richard at enquiry@blackbirdceramics.co.uk for further information.
Planned Closures for 2024
Please note that the gallery will be closed for annual holiday leave during the following times, with online orders being processed and shipped on my return:
Saturday 15th June to Saturday 29th June 2024
Thursday 5th December to Tuesday 10th December
The collection
Since opening his studio pottery, Richard’s work has focussed on the coastal landscape and industrial heritage where his studio and gallery are located. Sea Globes and Colliery Pots were where it all began and over the years these have organically grown through their design to include Sea Urns, “A Study of Coal” and in 2020 “Under the Sea” as notable major new works. Alongside this, Richard’s love of studio pottery extends to some functional work such as espresso cups and fine bone china bowls.
Richard’s work has a close connection to the local environment, and is carefully designed and handcrafted to create contemporary works of ceramic art and studio pottery. Each piece has a sufficiently strong identity to stand alone outside of their own context, yet evoke a feeling that sustains a connection to their place of origin…….presenting clients with unique pieces of contemporary ceramic art for their home.
Sea Globes
Beautifully crafted spherical globes made from either earthenware or fine bone china. Each globe has a contemporary glaze design inspired by the coastal landscape that surrounds the studio. Each globe is finished with either gold, platinum or copper detailing.
Sea Urns
Sea Urns are made using earthenware clay. These lidded globes that take their form inspired by ancient spice jars have sea anemone styled fronds and complex glazing designs.
“under the sea”
Under The Sea examines the effect of rising local sea levels, and how the form of my work may change if submitted to the ocean for many years. These large biophillic designed sculptural pieces use striking glazing combinations and precious metal lustres to enhance their design.
“a study of coal”
A Study of Coal uses black clay to create striking contemporary sculptural work that reflects Pembrokeshire’s industrial past and its production of some of the finest coal in world…….so fine that Queen Victoria used to insist that coal for all of the Royal Residences came from Pembrokeshire. The collection of work includes Colliery Pots, Coal Pots, Bell Pit Bowls and Peacock Coal Pots.
tulip ware
With a passion for Delftware, in particular their 17th century tulip towers, and a fascination of how an entire collection of historic work can pay tribute to such a humble flower, the tulip, has led Richard to create his very own interpretation of Tulip Ware that includes Hanging Tulip Vases, and Tulip Bricks.
functional ware
Coastal inspired functional ware includes fine bone china dipping bowls, hand thrown beach jars and espresso cups.