Thames Clay Vase

A vase made from London clay excavated from 26 metres below the River Thames, handcrafted in ceramicist and artist Alison Cooke’s West Hampstead studio. Limited quantity of 30 available.

H28cm; W16cm; D10.5cm

Made in NW6, from London clay from the River Thames

£125

Product story

Alison Cooke’s Thames Clay Vase is an unexpected, beautiful object whether you’re arranging seasonal bouquets or displaying it as a sculptural piece of art. Made from London clay that had been excavated 26 metres below the River Thames during the construction of London’s super sewer, each one has been handcrafted, fired and finished in Alison’s West Hampstead studio.

Manufacturing story

Extruding the clay into pipe components and joined by hand, the interior is sealed with a mix of reclaimed studio glazes. An expression of London both in material and shape, the vase is a nod to the vast underground network of boreholes, tubes and tunnels that keep the city connected.
As all of these vases are handmade, they won’t look identical – it’s these idiosyncrasies that make them so unique.

Manufacturing story

Extruding the clay into pipe components and joined by hand, the interior is sealed with a mix of reclaimed studio glazes. An expression of London both in material and shape, the vase is a nod to the vast underground network of boreholes, tubes and tunnels that keep the city connected.
As all of these vases are handmade, they won’t look identical – it’s these idiosyncrasies that make them so unique.
Alison Cooke

Alison Cooke

Alison Cooke is a London-based ceramicist who creates projects, objects and installations using clay unearthed from sites of historic and geological interest during processes of mining, engineering or scientific research. Her work revolves around the layers of history below a location, with a particular focus on hidden or underground networks where histories relate to, and impact our lives today.