People / Esme MacGregor
Esme MacGregor is a designer and maker currently based in London, whose work questions themes surrounding imperfection and materiality, often exploring how industrial processes can be used to produce a more human and individual outcome. She predominantly works in ceramic but has also explored a range of materials, from rubber to aluminium.
Alter Vase
I was kindly loaned my first kiln a year ago and it has served me well since. However, it is small with an internal height of 18cm, meaning I’m restricted in the height of what I make, and investing in a larger kiln is currently out of my budget. I wanted to be more expansive with the forms I create, leading me to design a vase made up of modular parts that come together post-firing.
The system is made up of four shapes, some of which are cast hollow, and others with a base to act as the water container. I feel my limitation brought a sense of play and malleability to a design that would otherwise be static.
A Seat at the Table: Chair 9
Sitting Local
‘Sitting Local’ aims to encourage the use of local materials, drawing on traditional building techniques such as rammed earth and cob to produce temporary outdoor seating. Made by compressing materials such as clay, sand and straw into wooden moulds, the resulting forms reflect the landscapes they’re born out of, and promote a playful approach to interacting with our material environments.
Duple Tray
Porcelain, unglazed
210mm × 190mm × 20mm
A two-toned ceramic tray, made by layering different coloured slips.
Seam Bookend
with Eleanor Murphy
Brushed aluminium
88 x 110 x 120mm
The process of seaming joins two metal sheets with a fold and pinch action. Often used to connect industrial roofing panels, the technique has been reapplied to form a strong and slender bookend.