Wall-hung two-dimensional ceramic sculptures with the enduring nature of fired earth.

Commissioning Process
Sending Your Photos
Price Guide

From individual tiles to composite images; studies of one person, or whole extended families; using handmade tiles or industrial bisques; from two-dimensional sculpture to mural panels or feature tiles for a bathroom, kitchen or fireplace: the commissioning possibilities are very broad.

Ceramic portraits are an enduring and unique way to commemorate an event or anniversary

These images below give an example of portrait styles from the original photograph (right).
				Photograph original
White earthenware, manganese oxide, crackle		White earthenware, cobalt oxide, crackle glaze		Red earthenware sculpture
Red earthenware, cobalt oxide drawing, tin glaze		Red earthenware, engraved, cobalt oxide inlay		Paper clay, embossed, cobalt oxide drawing, tin glaze
Buff earthenware, embossed, manganese oxide		Red earthenware, embossed, tin glaze		Red earthenware, embossed, manganese oxide wash

Commissioning process

Commissioning a contemporary portrait is very straightforward. Once you have looked at the gallery and have an idea of the style of portrait you have in mind, simply contact me to discuss the possibilities.

Initial contact- the best way is to send an email containing the following (or phone if that is easier)

1. Any photo(s) that you think would make a good portrait – it is important that your photo is one that you really like and that you feel “captures” the person.
2. The portrait style in the gallery that you like most
3. Any strong feelings you may have about colour, style, crop, size
4. Your ideas for where the final piece will go (for example framed and hung, or included as features in a tiled wall panel)
5. A deadline date, if you need the portrait quickly or by a certain time. (Remember that hand-making clay tiles involves several processes and unhurried drying time, followed by at least two firings, so you should allow at least three weeks production time.)

Sending your photographs

I can accept most picture file formats and receive any size file. Please remember that the clearer and larger the image, the better chance of capturing a good likeness in the drawing. If you love the photo and feel that it really “captures” the person, then you have the base for a fantastic ceramic portrait.

Simply email your attached image. If you are using a digital camera, use the highest resolution your camera allows and don’t compress or resize the files before sending.

If you have any questions, or problems sending picture files, please contact me for help and advice. If you would prefer to send photographs by post, please ensure that delivery is recorded, and I will ensure that they are safely returned to you.

Once we are both happy and ready to go ahead, I will confirm the order and invoice you via Paypal for a 50% deposit. Larger scale commissions will involve your approval of designs before work on the tiles begins. The final payment is made on completion of the portrait (again, using the security of Paypal, or by cheque, if you prefer).
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Pricing guide

Commissions:

Prices vary according to the complexity of the drawing or painting and glazing required, and the number of tiles required. As a guide, prices for portraits on individual 4” (10cm) handmade square tiles start at around £50.
A group or composite of 2 tiles of the same person would be about £70, three £90, four £100

Portraits drawn on standard industrial 4” bisque tiles start at £35

All prices would be agreed before the commission begins.

Mounting and postage is additional.

Two-dimensional ceramic portrait sculptures (not commissions) prices start from £160, please contact me for what is available at the moment.
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