Spotlight on the maker:

Carl Koch of Paynes Grey

A Passion Shaped by Nature and Heritage

At Paynes Grey, artist and maker Carl Koch crafts thoughtful, sculptural ceramic pieces that celebrate the raw beauty of natural materials and the quiet poetry of form. His work captures the spirit of British craft, tactile, contemplative, and deeply rooted in place.

Early Inspirations

For Carl, creativity is something inherited. Passed down through generations and nurtured from a young age. His earliest memories are steeped in the scent of oil paints and the hum of his grandfather’s studio.

“My grandfather was a wildlife and portrait painter. Spending time in his studio as a boy, pouring over his books, materials and art-things, lit a passion in me that has never really left.”

From that moment, a lifelong love of making began.

“A pencil was never far from my hands,” Carl recalls, “Drawing and sketching became my first love. As I grew, that developed into a love of objects using my curiosity to make things. I made it my main ambition.”

From Fashion to Form

After university, Carl began designing prints for a fashion brand, an experience that honed his design eye but left him creatively unfulfilled.

“It was relentless and creatively burned me out,” he says. “From there, I needed a shake-up and so I launched my practice in 2017 in order to work on a computer as little as possible.”

That decision marked the birth of Paynes Grey, a studio defined by hands-on craftsmanship and a deep connection to material.

Inspired by the Landscape

Now based in the Chiltern Hills, Carl finds constant inspiration in the landscapes that surround him.

“I’m very fortunate to live surrounded by woodlands and fantastic scenery. The inspiration for most of my pieces comes from the bits of flint or natural objects I collect on my wanderings.”

His creative process begins with curiosity and a sense of freedom. “The idea stage is my favourite part,” he says. “It’s where you can be as wild and free as you want.”

Materials and Making

Every Paynes Grey piece tells a story through its materials. Carl sources his clay from a respected manufacturer in Stoke-on-Trent, though he often incorporates reclaimed oak from an old barn he once lived in.

“The hill I live upon has a lovely layer of clay that I’m currently exploring to use in future projects,” he adds.

This thoughtful approach to sourcing reflects Carl’s respect for sustainability and his reverence for the land.

British Craft and Influence

Carl’s admiration for British design is clear and heartfelt.

“British craft, in my opinion, is the best in the world. There’s so much creativity out there, it’s staggering. There’s such a rich heritage of makers here that it’s definitely like standing on the shoulders of giants.”

He cites Roger Herman as one of his creative influences, drawn to his avant-garde, free-spirited approach to making.

What’s Next for Paynes Grey?

Always evolving, Carl is currently developing an exciting new project that marks a bold step into furniture design.

“A fantastic coffee table that will be my first foray into furniture. I’m so excited to develop this piece.”

Working with AUTHOR

Reflecting on his collaboration with AUTHOR, Carl shares a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of the British craft community:

“It’s been such a pleasure to work with AUTHOR. The friendliness and openness is a rarity that leaves one with hope restored. I look forward to many years and projects ahead.”

Discover More

Explore the artistry of Carl Koch and his studio Paynes Grey, where each piece tells a story of material, memory, and the enduring beauty of British craft.