The English Ceramic Circle (ECC), the largest and oldest society dedicated to the specialized study of ceramics and enamels manufactured, decorated, and used across the United Kingdom, has announced a major new artist commission. As part of its upcoming centenary celebrations, the organization is inviting UK-based ceramic artists to submit proposals for up to three new works. These commissioned pieces will form a central part of a high-profile, year-long display at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in South Kensington, bridging centuries of British craft history with contemporary artistic innovation.
Founded in 1927, the ECC has spent nearly a century advancing the academic study, collection, and appreciation of British ceramic traditions. To mark its landmark 100th anniversary, the society is collaborating with V&A South Kensington to present a special exhibition running from October 2027 through September 2028. This ambitious display will celebrate the rich legacy of British ceramics from 1600 to the present day, showcasing the profound artistic and technological contributions made by generations of potters working in Britain.
Rather than presenting historic works in isolation, the centenary display will incorporate a vibrant selection of contemporary art by makers who draw direct inspiration from historic British ceramics. By placing contemporary creations in direct dialogue with historic masterpieces drawn from the V&A’s world-renowned permanent collection, the exhibition aims to demonstrate how historical ceramic traditions continue to inspire thoughtful, contemporary reinterpretation.
To enrich this dialogue between past and present, the ECC is launching an open submission process to commission up to three new ceramic works. The initiative places a particular emphasis on supporting early- and mid-career practitioners, specifically encouraging applications from artists who have been working professionally with clay for between three and 15 years.
Artist Fee and Brief
Successful applicants selected through the open call will receive an artist fee of £3,000. The brief asks artists to propose an original work utilizing clay as its primary medium, with a design that is directly inspired by or critically interrogates an aspect of British ceramic production dating from before 1900.
Because the finished pieces will be exhibited within Room 146 of the V&A South Kensington as part of the centenary display, proposals must carefully consider the physical constraints and environment of the gallery space. The exhibition environment will accommodate moderately sized works, which may be displayed either mounted on walls or securely housed within traditional museum display cases. Detailed architectural specifications, including case and room dimensions as well as spatial elevations, are available to interested applicants upon request.
The ECC encourages artists to interpret the broad landscape of historic British ceramics expansively. In keeping with the core mission of fostering an active conversation between past and present makers, participants are particularly encouraged to explore and respond directly to the V&A’s extensive holdings of historic British ceramics.
The Selection Process
Proposals submitted by the upcoming deadline will be evaluated by a specially convened selection panel. Artists chosen for the commissions will be notified of their success in December 2026. Following selection, the successful practitioners will receive professional support and guidance from the V&A curatorial staff as they continue to research, refine, and develop their projects.
The timeline for production requires that finished works be delivered to V&A South Kensington by September 2027. However, practical installation details—such as exact dimensions, weight specifications, and preferred display methods—must be finalized and submitted to museum organizers by June 2027.
Ownership of the commissioned pieces will initially reside with the ECC, and the works will be formally loaned to the V&A for the duration of the exhibition from October 2027 to September 2028. In addition to creating the physical artworks, successful artists will be expected to actively participate in public programming related to the centenary display. This engagement may take various forms, including public talks, hands-on workshops, or guided gallery tours. Furthermore, commissioned artists will be asked to contribute relevant digital content to support marketing and social media campaigns throughout the creative and making process.
Following the conclusion of the V&A exhibition, the ECC intends to donate the commissioned works to a public museum within the United Kingdom. This final step is designed to strengthen ongoing ties between historic collections and contemporary ceramic art across the country. As an additional benefit of participation, all selected artists will be granted full membership in the English Ceramic Circle for the entire duration of their involvement with the project.
How to Apply
The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2026. UK-based ceramic artists interested in applying or seeking further clarification regarding the brief and technical specifications are invited to direct their proposals and inquiries via email to the ECC centenary committee at [email protected].
The English Ceramic Circle remains the premier society for the study of British ceramics and enamels, welcoming members across all levels of expertise. Since its inception, the organization has dedicated itself to advancing knowledge through rigorous academic research, regular meetings, and the publication of new findings. Its global membership encompasses a diverse community of collectors, museum curators, archaeologists, working potters, auctioneers, dealers, and social historians united by a shared passion for the history of ceramics produced throughout the British Isles.
V&A South Kensington, meanwhile, stands as a globally renowned center for art, design, and performance. Housed in one of London’s most iconic architectural landmarks, the museum preserves national collections spanning five millennia of human creativity across every major discipline, backed by world-leading research, dynamic public programming, and extensive conservation efforts.