James and Tilla Waters

James and Tilla Waters live and work near the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Their partnership combines James’s making skills with Tilla’s love of colour and design. Both having Fine Art backgrounds and trained in production throwing, they feel grounded in functionality. James and Tilla first met as apprentices for Rupert Spira in 1998. It was there they first learnt throwing techniques and how to work with stoneware while developing glazes and decorative techniques they continue to explore today. They subsequently set up their own pottery in 2002. All of their work is thrown on the wheel using porcelain and stoneware clay bodies; featuring classic clean lines with beautifully balanced proportions.

‘Functionality is important to us; when an object is designed and made with skill and care it is a joy to use and can become a cherished possession, enriching daily life. There is often a character in hand-made objects which we like; a kind of warmth or comfort, perhaps due to its human connection.’

Public collections include:
Victoria and Albert Museum, London