Kirsty Adams

Kirsty Adams developed a passion for making from a very young age, influenced by her mother, a hand-loom weaver with a workshop in the family garden. Creativity was strongly encouraged at home, with early experiences including making small animal models from mud and clay. After studying at Brighton Art College, Kirsty trained in Japan to learn wheel throwing, an experience that deeply shaped her practice. On returning to the UK, she established her business in 2000 with support from the Prince’s Trust.

Kirsty's work is strongly influenced by Eastern ceramic aesthetics, with a focus on provenance, place and storytelling. Inspiration often comes from specific locations such as National Trust properties and landscapes including Iceland, the Algarve, and the Northumberland coastline. Favourite parts of the process include the early stages of throwing, when forms begin to emerge and glazing, valued for its sense of alchemy in the kiln. Materials are mainly sourced from Stoke-on-Trent.

Kirsty values the UK’s strong community of makers and believes British design is exceptional in both quality and innovation. Influences include ceramicists Gordon Baldwin, Peter Voulkos and Akiko Hirai. Current work includes a new series for the Crafts Council’s Collect Art Fair, exhibited with Design Nation. Achievements include the Crafts Council and National Trust Artisan Craft Award in 2017, creating signature vases for Brasserie Constance at Fulham Pier in 2025 and being selected as a Michelangelo Foundation Homo Faber Guide Master Artisan since 2022.