Working from her garden studio in Sheffield, Carla Murdoch is a one-woman show, creating elegant yet practical ceramics. Thanks to her meticulous approach and artful attention to detail, Carla’s collection of tableware is a sophisticated celebration of natural colours and pleasingly understated shapes.Having fallen into pottery by accident in the early 2000s, Carla Murdoch first spent many years studying her craft before beginning to teach at Lichfield College. She still can’t quite believe how lucky she is to do the thing she loves as her full-time job. Carla’s passion for her work is self-evident in the pieces she produces for the table and home. Every stage of the process – from designing shapes to carefully formulating and testing glazes – is in her hands and is executed with exacting care.

Diverse influences have filtered into the ceramics produced by Carla Murdoch. Expect echoes of the ancient to rub shoulders with the refinement of classic and modern design. Most work is hand-thrown on the potter’s wheel, with a small-batch process and a bespoke measuring gauge – as well as the designer’s eagle eyes – ensuring consistency in every detail. The science of what happens to clay and glazes in the kiln inspires Carla to experiment and discover new directions in which to take her work. All materials used in the glazes are natural and sourced from the UK.

In the collection, you’ll find tableware that’s eminently practical and pleasing to use. Think deep bowls with softly curved rims for supping ramen, or neat tumblers perfectly sized to be cupped in your hands. Dramatic shades of black or earthy lichen give a sense of direct connection between the finished pieces and the natural clays they start out as.