Made from Scratch- ‘Celebrating Julia Carter Preston, Ceramicist’
11th September– 7th November 2026
To celebrate the centenary of the popular Liverpool artist Julia Carter Preston (1926-2012), five Liverpool venues are staging exhibitions on her life and work, which is explored in an accompanying symposium. The program includes exhibitions at the Bluecoat, Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus, the Walker Art Gallery and the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery & Museum. Together they showcase works from major public and private collections, archive material and contemporary responses by leading sgraffito artists, highlighting Carter Preston’s artistic legacy and the continuing vitality of the technique.
Known for her distinctive ceramics, Julia was recognised for reviving the technique of sgraffito in the twentieth century. This involves scratching through a coating of clay slip on a surface to reveal an underlying layer, creating contrasting decoration.
We have curated a very special exhibition bringing together a striking selection of Julia’s work (on loan from local collectors) alongside leading contemporary sgraffito artists. The show expands the conversation into surface and pattern with selected printmakers and jewellers exploring etching, texture and intricate design.
Online Collection coming soon. Find out more at Made from Scratch- ‘Celebrating Julia Carter Preston, Ceramicist’ - Bluecoat Display Centre
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