Exquisite ceramics inspired by nature and prehistory

A south-west ceramicist who creates beautiful sculptural pieces

I am by no means a fine-art collector, but I do love what I love; and for the past 10 years I’ve been rather obsessed with the work of Paul Philp, an under-the-radar ceramicist based in Bath.

I came to know his work through the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show in New York (his gallerist brother, Richard, was exhibiting old master drawings, medieval and renaissance sculpture and antiquities) – and, it seems, I’ve followed him all the way back to Britain. I recently decided to track him down and learn a bit more about his unusual craft, over a decade since I first purchased one of his pieces: an exquisitely simple white bowl that is still the centrepiece of my sitting room.

Inspired by “nature and geology, as well as weathered monuments such as Stonehenge”, Philp’s work is unlike most other items you’re likely to find on the contemporary ceramics market. Each of his lovingly created bowls, vessels and sculptures grows organically as he builds it piece by piece – adding the clay slowly by hand, rather than using a wheel. With a mix of Devon ball clay, Staffordshire fire clay and earthenware clay, as well as sea sand, tree bark and crushed firebricks, he produces a wide range of textures and encrusted surfaces. Between the firings at extreme temperatures (there can be up to five, with both gas and electric kilns used), Philp carves, refines and adds colour to his pieces – brushed-on iron and copper oxides are sealed in white or wet clay – for an overall effect that is full of subtle fissures and crags, each emitting a delicate glaze.

While he creates a wide array of dark and light pieces, Philp tends to prefer white or neutral shades, and feels his work is best suited to the indoors, where it is spared both water and frost. His sculptural creations – mostly ranging in height from 15cm to 35cm – are both classical in form and Asian in feel.

“I have a flint boulder found on the beach at Charmouth,” he told me, “that is as good as any Henry Moore”. My sentiments – about his work – exactly.

Richard Philp Gallery, 7 Ravenscourt Square, London W6 (020-8748 5678; www.richardphilp.com). Prices start from £900.