DOMINIC WARWOOD-SMITH CERAMICS
CERAMICS
My work moves between earthenware and stoneware; expressive one-off slipware pieces, high fired red-earthenware and iron rich buff stoneware.
For more ‘functional’ pieces, everyday use inspires my making. I combine this with pared-back simple glazing allowing the original form to be front and centre of each piece. I’m chasing fluidity & energy with a contemporary edge; traditional processes are my starting point - but not my limit.
A conscious curiosity of the materials inherent plasticity informs my making process and is the most important aspect for my final fired pieces - protecting the sense of immediacy so easily lost as a piece move from clay to ceramic; Keeping that freshness alive — from first mark to final firing is the challenge, and the point.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
I’m addicted to collecting light — chasing atmosphere, moments, and fleeting moods. There’s something quietly magical about freezing those fragments in time with a camera.
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Lately, I’ve fallen back in love with black-and-white film photography, shooting grainy Ilford HP5 through an old, temperamental Nikon that refuses to be rushed. The imperfections matter. They’re part of the conversation.
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Digitally, I’m drawn to mark-making — especially photographing fireworks in the winter months. Those fluid, explosive gestures have started to bleed into my ceramic work, informing the energy and movement I’m now chasing in my slipware.
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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
As an in-house Product Designer, I turn raw materials into meaning. Through a considered, informed approach to product development, I add value where it counts — not just in price, but in desire, function, relevance, and longevity.
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What keeps me hooked on this profession is a deep respect for materials and the ways humans have learned to master them — from cutting-edge technology to honest, low-tech craftsmanship. I’m interested in the tension between the two, and what happens when they meet.
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With experience has come responsibility. I design products for the home that are made to last — objects that earn their place, age well, and grow alongside the families who choose to live with them. Less noise. More purpose. Built for the long term.
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Bio
I’m driven by curiosity, craft, and quality. Growing, cooking and sharing simple, well-made food is central to my life — it’s how my family and I connect. Ceramic design sits at the heart of that ritual, especially the way handmade tableware elevates home-cooked food into something worth slowing down for.
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When I step away from the glow of an engineering computer screen, I return to the raw and tactile: throwing tableware on the potter’s wheel or going a little wild slip-decorating vessels in my workshop. Clay keeps me grounded.
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Beyond ceramics, I’m obsessed with art & design in all its forms — photography, design history, 20th-century “antiques”, comical automata, mechanical kids toys and any beautifully engineered and well made objects! I have a soft spot for VW Transporters, sharp comedy, good brewing and anything crafted with care and intention. Quality always wins.
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Music matters. A lot. My library is deep, and yes — I’m unapologetically a vinyl geek.
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I’m happiest outdoors: walking in woods, cycling on my own and playing near water. I married my wife Emma in 2015, with our young son proudly standing as my best man. When we’re not making things, we’re usually knee-deep in another home renovation project — learning as we go, again (@renovation_warts_and_all).
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CONTACT
Dominic Warwood-Smith
EXHIBITIONS & PRIZES
4-12 October 2025
Peacock Arts Trail
I'll be opening up the studio again for the bi-annual open arts week. Come see all the makers down on New Farm. Paintings, Illustrations, Sculpture, Wood, & CERAMIC'S. The popular 'Have a Go' on the potters wheel will be running again!
December 2023
The Corsham Gallery;
'Maker of the Month'
Exhibiting pieces to delight visitors and just in time for a Christmas!
12 -28 October 2023
The Bath Open Art Prize Exhibition
Liquid Gold Exhibited. 44AD Abbey St, Bath, BA1 1NN.
7 - 15 October 2023
Peacock Arts Trail
Open Arts week in Corsham and the surrounding area - come and 'Have a Go' on the Potters-Wheel!
Nov - Dec 2019
The Pound Arts Open
'Collection of Three' Exhibited
5 - 13 October 2019
Peacock Arts Trail
The Peacock Arts Trail was established with the aim of celebrating the arts in Corsham and the surrounding towns and villages in North-West Wiltshire. Come and see New Farm and all it has to offer - including 'Have a Go' workshop.
Dec - Nov 2018
Pound Arts Open
2 Slipware Pieces Exhibited: Moon Vessel & Platter.
Nov - Dec 2017
The Tenth Annual Pound Arts Open
WINNER: Peoples Choice Prize Awarded for 'Poised Charger'.
2 Pieces Exhibited: Poised Charger & Liquid Gold.
Nov - Dev 2010
Pound Open Arts
WINNER: People Choice Awarded. Photography & Mixed Materials Entrance with 'Lego Portrait'.
September 2010
Frome Cheese Fair
WINNER: Ceramic Entry with 'Slipware Platter'.
CV
SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER
February 2005 to Present
As a Senior Designer for Matki Showering & Swadling Brassware I manage the design process and the teams within it from concept design to final product launch. This includes the design, production and assessment of components in a huge range of materials, finishes and processes.
CREATIVE DESIGNER
April 2003 to February 2005
The Bradley Collection ltd: In-house concept design, development & prototyping in a range of materials including stainless & mild steel, aluminium, wood, glass and resins for both traditional and contemporary drapery systems, decorative accessories & lighting.
PRODUCT DESIGNER
June 2001 to April 2003
Habitat Design ltd:Â Working tightly to 'Design Orientations' - for both Prime and Seasonal products - I was involved in Habitat's NPD process including concept design, CAD visualisation and production of specification drawings for manufacture.