Press Release | December 2018

Brutalist Revival Meets Functional Ceramics

Emma Johnson Ceramics to debut minimalist collections at Top Drawer January

Fresh from her recent collaboration with the Hayward Gallery, Emma Johnson Ceramics will be debuting her brutalist-inspired ceramics to a UK trade show audience this January in Craft at Top Drawer.

Originally intended to reflect the aesthetics of a modern utopia, Brutalist architecture stemmed from a movement towards minimal design. But by the 1970s Brutalist buildings gained a somewhat negative reputation - being labelled as ugly, inhuman and brutal.

Brutalism has recently found new appreciation in the design world, with many contemporary designers embracing the Brutalist ideals of ‘form follows function’ and ‘truth to materials’. Emma Johnson has channelled her appreciation of Brutalist architecture to create clean, minimal and functional ceramics.

For Top Drawer January, Emma will be presenting 2 collections, Atro-city and Habitual. Both ranges demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of materials and are hand-made in Emma’s sunny Brighton studio.

The Atro-city collection is stylish and functional. It combines both ceramic and wooden elements to create ergonomic tableware which is satisfying to use. The range is newly available with dark walnut details, which debuted last year at the Barbican centre.

The Habitual collection is designed to fit perfectly into our everyday routines and offer a minimal and unfussy experience. The tactile qualities of porcelain are emphasised throughout this collection of cups, bowls and plates.

Emma Johnson will be exhibiting this January 13-15th in Craft at Top Drawer. Visit stand CR315 to experience these impeccably-made objects first hand and learn more about Emma’s design process.

Notes to Editors:

Emma Johnson Ceramics will be exhibiting in Craft (Stand CR315) at Top Drawer January

Dates: 13th - 15th January 2019

Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX. Closest tube: Kensington (Olympia) Overground.

About Emma Johnson Ceramics:

Emma Johnson studied 3D Design and Craft at the University of Brighton, graduating in 2016. Emma's functional homewares are often inspired by brutalist architecture - resulting in precise, angular and minimal tableware. Since 2016, Emma has been selected to take part in the Crafts Council Hothouse development programme, has been featured as a Barbican Maker and has created a bespoke range in collaboration with the Hayward Gallery. Emma is currently creating and developing work from her studio in Phoenix Brighton.

Web: www.emmajohnsonceramics.com

Social: @emmajohnsonceramics

Email: hello@emmajohnsonceramics.com