Making Change Conference: Sustainability & Ceramic Practice

Online Conference: 22 & 29 January 2024

A single conference delivered online in two parts, on the 22 and 29 January 2024, from 7.00 - 9.00pm, exploring the meaning of sustainability in the context of ceramic practice in 2024.

Recognising that ‘sustainability’ occupies multiple definitions, narratives, and actions in the ceramic community, this conference is a timely marker for the Leach Pottery as it embarks on a significant capital development project, reflecting on its responsibilities and the sustainability challenges it faces.

Sustainability and ceramic practice is an area of increasing focus: but what does this mean? In 2021, the Leach Pottery’s online symposium ‘Sustaining the Studio - Sustaining the Self’ investigated self-sustaining studio practice and sustaining self through engagement – a snapshot of practice and wellbeing. This conference focusses on some of the conversations around environmental sustainability.

Taking a discursive approach, this conference aims to understand some of the definitions, frameworks, issues and actions around sustainability. It will consider how the Leach Pottery is engaging with them from philosophical and practical perspectives.

The purpose of the conference is to stimulate mediated conversations between different perspectives and approaches to a topic that could potentially become a siloed debate. It is unlikely to provide simple ‘answers’ but will stimulate thought and provide a starting point for further debate.

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Programme

Part One: Sustainability Context & the Leach Pottery’s Journey
Monday 22 January 2024, 7.00 - 9.00pm

Part One explores sustainability as context with focus on the Leach Pottery’s current sustainability considerations.

7.00 - 7.10pm - Symposium Welcome
Foreword from Leach Pottery Director Libby Buckley.
Guest Convenor: Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator, Modern & Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland.

Sarah Rothwell is the Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design in the Department of Global Arts, Cultures and Design at National Museums Scotland. She has collection responsibility for the British, European and other 'Western' glass, ceramics, metalwork, jewellery and industrial design circa 1945-present collections.

Her research areas are within Nordic and British Modernist Jewellery Design; Contemporary Craft with a focus on Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery; 20th Century European Art & Design; and the integration and interpretation of historical collections by working artists and makers. She supports the sector through her position on the Board of Craft Scotland and as a Trustee for the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust. 

7.10 - 7.35pm - Presentation 1: Setting the scene for the sustainability context
Climate Change, Energy and COP28: ‘top-down from the bottom up’?
This talk gives a brief outline of developments in climate change and summarises observations about the international process, through the outcome of the recent COP28 conference in Dubai. The talk then turns to look at the ‘bottom-up’ progress in clean energy and the challenges and opportunities arising for local low carbon energy developments.

Michael Grubb is Professor of Energy and Climate Change at University College London (Institute of Sustainable Resources & Energy Institute), and Deputy Director for ISR. From 2011-2016, alongside academic roles, Michael worked part-time at the UK Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (the energy regulator, Ofgem) as Senior Advisor, initially on Sustainable Energy Policy, and subsequently Improving Regulation; from Autumn 2016 he moved to Chair the UK government’s Panel of Technical Experts on Electricity Market Reform. In 2018 he was appointed as Convening Lead Author for Chapter 1 of the IPCC Sixth Assessment (Mitigation Report), and as leader for the Sustainability hub of the UK Research Council's programme on Rebuilding Macroeconomics.

He has combined research and applied roles for many years, bringing research insights into policymaking, and bringing practical experience to bear upon academic studies. Before joining UCL he was part-time Senior Research Associate in Economics at Cambridge University, combined with (prior to joining Ofgem) Chief Economist at the Carbon Trust, and Chair of the international research network/interface organisation Climate Strategies. These conjoined appointments followed 10 years at Chatham House where he led the Energy and Environment programme.

He founded the Climate Policy journal and remained Editor-in-Chief until 2016. From 2008-11 he served on the UK Climate Change Committee, established under the UK Climate Change Act to advise the government on future carbon budgets and to report to Parliament on their implementation. Michael is author of eight books, sixty journal research articles, and numerous other publications. The book Planetary Economics: Energy, Climate Change and the Three Domains of Sustainable Development (Routledge 2014), brought together insights from 25 years of research and implementation of energy and climate policies. Beyond energy and climate change, he is on the Scientific Advisory Boards of the German Inst for Economic Research (DIW Berlin).

7.35 - 8.05pm - Presentation 2
Leach Pottery - Sustainability: Historical Narratives & the Studio

Dr Matthew Tyas and Roelof Uys will explore sustainability from the perspective of creative practice where making meets sustainability narratives, considering the creative life as realised through Bernard Leach’s narratives, the Studio today, and how these frameworks have personal and cultural value.

Dr Matthew Tyas is Curator (2019) and Deputy Director (2021) at the Leach Pottery. He specialises in exhibitions, writing, and research relating to the history and narratives of the Leach Pottery - a world-renowned living heritage site, its potters, and Bernard Leach. He writes on the Leach legacy, and its diaspora, from historical and contemporary perspectives. From 2023, Matthew is working on a Leach Pottery Reader. A trained researcher, his background is that of a creative practitioner in the field of pottery, completing an MA in Ceramics at the University of Wales in 2008. Matthew was awarded a doctorate in 2014 for his practice-based thesis: ‘Designing 21st Century Standard Ware: The Cultural Heritage of Leach and the Potential Applications of Digital Technologies’. He pots and volunteers at a local rehab centre.

Roelof Uys is Lead Potter at the Leach Pottery where he supervises the training of apprentices and visiting interns, while overseeing the design and production of Leach Standard Ware. He studied Fine Art at East London Technical College, South Africa, and founded his first ceramics studio in Limpopo Province in 1992. He went on to work in Knysna as a Resident Potter at Bitou Crafts, before starting his own production pottery in Cape Town, where he also served on the Committee of the Western Cape Potters Association. After leaving South Africa in 1998, Roelof worked at Four Seasons Pottery in North London before moving to St Ives in 1999 where he took up residence at the Gaolyard Studios founded by John Bedding.

8.05 - 8.15 pm - Comfort Break

8.15 - 8.40pm - Presentation 3
Making it 'Right': A Life Cycle and Materials Analysis of the Leach Pottery Mug.

The talk presents findings and reflections on sustainability research recently conducted at the Leach Pottery. Dr Salani will discuss his Life-Cycle Analysis of the Leach Pottery Standard Ware that he has been undertaking with Prof Xiaoyu Yan of the University of Exeter on behalf of the Pottery. This study offers an opportunity to highlight key issues around the sustainability of studio ceramic processes, also informed by a systematic literature review on the topic. The presentation will conclude with Dr Ward-Williams – a recent Researcher in Residence at the Pottery, approaching glaze and materials sustainability as an industrial chemist working at the University of Cambridge. Dr Ward-Williams will examine how material innovation can contribute to the mitigation of environmental pollution associated with gas kilns, enabling potters to achieve aesthetically pleasing new and traditional glazes in electric kilns.

Dr Giorgio Salani, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, is a researcher in art-science, craft ceramics and sustainability. He is Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he is Creative Director of the STADHI transdisciplinary research platform and the Hybrid Innovation programme for Japanese industry. Giorgio's work on sustainability in contemporary craft ceramics builds on his background in Environmental Engineering and academic studies in Craft Ethnography and Design Theory. He has been researching the Leach's Production Studio since 2016, originally as part of his doctoral study on contemporary British studio pottery. 

Dr Jordan Ward-Williams, is a Research Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Churchill College Cambridge – a research chemist who’s been making pottery for several years. He is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and a By-Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge. His research focuses on the materials that are used for carrying out chemical reactions in industry, and how we can develop new materials and processes that support the transition from fossil fuels to renewable chemical feedstocks. Jordan was the first Researcher-in-Residence at the Leach Pottery, and has been exploring opportunities for alternative fuel usage within the context of the Pottery.

8.40 - 8.55pm - Discussion & Audience Questions

8.55pm - Closing remarks

Part Two: Ideologies & Frameworks
Monday 29 January 2024, 7.00 - 9.00pm

Part Two introduces broader sustainability ideologies and frameworks, exploring their premise and application. The session starts with Extinction Rebellion before exploring the Circular Economy, followed by a case study of a UK creative business that has achieved B Corp status.

7.00 - 7.10pm - Symposium Welcome
Guest Convenor: Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator, Modern & Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland.

7.10 - 7.35pm - Presentation 1
How might groups like Extinction Rebellion support future directions for artists and makers on a suffering planet?

This presentation explores the XR’s ethos and aims, and the seriousness of the climate and ecological emergency. It will explore how the cultural future of the making community is closely interwoven with the issues of sustainability and nature-connectedness that XR believe are essential for our survival.

Pat Sharpe has been an activist with Extinction Rebellion (XR) since 2019, shortly after they launched their first public protest. A secondary school English teacher and school sustainability co-ordinator, she has a normal day-job like everyone else in the group. She delivers XR talks and represents XR on panel discussions because she fervently believes in climate justice and inter-generational responsibility - we cannot just carry on as normal, handing down the climate and ecological emergency for the next generation to deal with.

7.35 - 8.00pm - Presentation 2
Making Circles

The Circular Economy is a great practical framework for designers and makers interested in reducing their environmental impact. It offers solutions throughout the creative process, from circular design principles, to sharing tools and materials, to offering take-back or repair services. All of this helps us to reduce waste and to make the most of the resources we already have, thereby reducing the energy usage and environmental degradation that contribute to the Climate Crisis. 

Mary Michel is the Co-Founder and Director of Ostrero, which works to grow the Circular Economy in Scotland through the process of creative learning. Recent programmes at Ostrero include our Making Circles design workshops for schools and universities; a feasibility study into sharing equipment between creative organisations across Scotland; and Creative Cred, a complementary currency that incentivises a circular approach through sharing skills, tools and spaces. Mary is currently a Board Member of Circular Communities Scotland and has recently served on the boards of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and Craft Scotland. In her previous role she was Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh, which included founding their Ethical Making Programme. Mary has 3 children and lives in Edinburgh. 

8.00 - 8.10 pm - Comfort Break

8.10 - 8.35pm - Presentation 3
On being a B Corp Business

This paper will explore the use of the B Lab Impact Assessment to identify, track, and learn about improvement opportunities and best practices for a creative business.

Jos Skeates MSc is a goldsmith and founder of E.C. One, a B Corp certified, ethical Jewellery business. Having undertaken a traditional apprenticeship, he later studied Jewellery Design at the prestigious Central St. Martins before setting up the contemporary jewellers E.C. One with partner and head buyer Alison Skeates in 1997. In 2019 E.C. One were awarded Best Ethical Jewellery Company at the Retail jewellery Awards. Jos is eager to help the jewellery and other craft industries be more sustainable. In 2022 he completed an MSc in Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability from Birkbeck University. He is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, involved with The British Fashion Council, and is ex Chair of The Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council.

8.35 - 8.55pm - Discussion & Audience Questions

8.55pm - Closing remarks

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Optional additional session:
Sustainability Books: Meet the Authors on 29 January 2024
A casual post-Conference gathering, hosted by Matt Tyas, to hear from the authors of recent and forthcoming ceramics and sustainability titles. Each author will present on their works, intentions and reflections. Followed by a Q&A session.

9.00 - 9.02pm: Welcome from Dr Matthew Tyas

9.02 - 9.10pm: Yuliya Makliuk: Potters Save the World, 2023

Yuliya Makliuk is a ceramic artist, activist, and author driven by a passion for addressing the pressing challenges of our time: environmental crises, social injustice, and war through her practice. Makliuk is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of ceramic tradition, actively exploring sustainable approaches and innovative techniques. Her studio, 'Here & Now Pottery', holds the Clean Green Ceramics certification and is included in the Homo Faber crafts catalogue. Additionally, Makliuk has been awarded the Risktakers and the CEC Artslink fellowships for her work in sustainability and arts organizing. In 2013, Yuliya graduated with an MA in 'Participation, Power and Social Change' from University of Sussex and in 2012 an MS in 'Ecology and Environmental Protection' from National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine. Yuliya has been regularly exhibiting in Ukraine since 2018.

9.10 - 9.18pm: Kevin Millward: Ceramics A Green Approach: Refining Your Practice (working title)

Kevin Millward is the Director (2017) of Clay College Stoke-on-Trent and a Fellow of Staffordshire university (2020). He has been potting since the 1970s – working in Gladstone Pottery Museum before becoming a Craft & Education Advisor, then designing and building pottery equipment for Millward Pottery Equipment. In the early 1980s, Kevin’s focussed returned to making pots – an activity which continued in various studios in central England. Alongside numerous visiting lecturer positions, Kevin has been a part-time lecturer at Bucks New University, University of Westminster, City College Manchester, De-Montfort University and Leek School of Art. Alongside delivering countless workshops and seminars across the UK, Kevin has made multiple TV and Radio appearances and worked as a consultant and developer of format for The Great Pottery Throw Down. Kevin has also been involved in the design and development of some of the best-selling contemporary tableware in the UK and USA, working with: Flesh Crocks; Twyfords Bathrooms; Global Homeware for Marks and Spencer; Portmeirion Pottery; Wedgwood, Barlaston; Susie Watson Design; Bricket Davda; Carlton Ware; Spode; Royal Worcester; Emma Bridgwater. It is no surprise to note that Kevin has exhibited nationally and featured in multiple publications and magazines.

9.18 – 9.26pm: Sara Howard: Circular Ceramics, 2023

Sara Howard is an award-winning ceramic designer and materials researcher, whose practice is focussed on reducing the environmental and societal impacts of ceramic production.

Sara graduated from Central St. Martins in 2020, studying a BA Honours Degree in Ceramic Design. In her final year, Sara designed an industrial symbiosis around the ceramics industry, whereby waste from one industry replaces the raw materials in ceramic production. Sara’s methods and processes are shared in her book, Circular Ceramics, allowing fellow ceramicists to adopt the sustainable processes in their own practice.

Since 2020 Sara has continued to work on expanding the use of industrial waste streams, participated in exhibitions, and delivered lectures, workshops, and talks. Currently, Sara is collaborating with ceramic producers and mass manufacturers to implement the use of industrial waste on a larger scale.

9.26 – 9.40pm: Discussion/audience Q&A

9.40: Close