Liverpool Ceramicist Julia Carter Preston Centenary Celebrated with Five Exhibitions

Starting on Friday, September 11th, five prominent galleries in Liverpool will present exhibitions dedicated to the life and artistry of Julia Carter Preston (1926-2012), a renowned ceramic artist recognized for her revival of the sgraffito technique in 20th-century British ceramics. The initiative, titled 'Celebrating Julia Carter Preston, Ceramicist,' will feature a symposium that delves into her artistic contributions and their relevance to postwar British ceramics. Sgraffito, an ancient method that gained popularity during the Renaissance in Italy, entails scratching through a clay slip to expose a different layer beneath. Carter Preston skillfully utilized this technique, often incorporating metallic lustre glazes on various items, including bowls, plates, jars, tiles, and a complete dinner service, making her highly sought after for commissions.