At Liverpool Hope University. Sat 3 Oct, 1-4.30pm
The popular Liverpool ceramicist Julia Carter Preston was recognised for the role she played in reviving the technique of sgraffito in the twentieth century. With ancient origins and popularised in Renaissance Italy, sgraffito involves scratching through a coating of clay slip on a surface to reveal an underlying layer, creating contrasting decoration.
Carter Preston used this technique to brilliant effect, often using metallic lustre glazes on a wide range of ceramics – bowls, plates, jars, tiles, even a complete dinner service. She was in great demand, commissioned to create plaques and other pieces to commemorate anniversaries or celebrate special occasions.
Carter Preston’s designs were characterised by flowing and intricate patterns based on natural forms that echoed the designs of William Morris and Islamic art. This symposium will highlight these influences as well as show a continuing interest in the practice of sgraffito.
Tea and coffee will be available upon arrival from 12:30 pm. An exhibition of Carter Preston's work will be available to view in the Cornerstone Building foyer between 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm.
Tickets: From £5
Booking required
Programme
The programme comprises illustrated talks on:
• Julia’s work in the collection of the Walker Art Gallery
• her long association with the Bluecoat, where she had a studio and exhibited regularly at the Display Centre
• her relationship to Liverpool Hope University, where she was an artist in residence at the Creative Campus
There will be short films of Juia talking about her work.
A panel including the speakers - Maureen Bampton, Bryan Biggs, Nicola Scott and Alan Whittaker - will further discuss Julia’s work, life and legacy, and take questions from the audience.
The afternoon concludes with a sgraffito demonstration by artist Chris Turrell.
The symposium is part of a programme of exhibitions at Liverpool venues opening on 11 September 2026: Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool Hope University, The Bluecoat, Victoria Gallery & Museum, Walker Art Gallery. The programme is devised and coordinated by the Liverpool Hope Carter Preston Foundation, which was established in 2016 to promote, preserve and exhibit the work of Edward Carter Preston and his daughters Julia and Irene.
Email contact: lhcpf@hope.ac.uk