‘The Denney Lanterns’, 2019

Two ceramic tiled lanterns in a walled garden

These two large-scale lantern sculptures were part of the exhibition ‘The Denney Edition’ at Rainham Hall in Essex, UK. The show celebrated the the life and career of Vogue photographer, designer, and former Rainham Hall resident, Anthony Denney.

The project became a collaboration with community gardener Jesse Lock. Tiles were decorated in workshops by volunteers and participants using produce from the garden, before being smoke-fired in a specially made pit-kiln dug directly into the earth.

The piece was made for the garden, in the garden, by the garden. The tiles then clad two stylised forms which reference the Japanese influence in the garden and Denney’s love of natural interior finishes.

Thanks to The Decorators for the invite to be a part of this unique show. And to the staff and volunteers from Rainham Hall - a National Trust property.

Three women sit on one of two tiled lanterns in a garden and look at a toddler in front of them

Flower and plant cuttings on top of a clay tile that sits on top of metal foil

A man places clay tiles into a pit full of branches in preparation for firing them

A ceramic tile showing markings where plant and flower cuttings were placed on top

The lanterns look amazing, and have the wow factor we were looking for! I was delighted to be involved and the garden volunteers are really happy with them too. The Britain in Bloom judges were fascinated with them, and loved how they brought the exhibition out into the garden.

Jesse Lock, Head Community Gardener for National Trust

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A green tiled cupboard in front of a blue tiled wall and next to a table and chair

Previous project

‘Welcome Cupboard’, 2020

Entrance cupboard entirely clad – inside and out – in handmade tiles. Made to order for The New Craftsmen

Next project

‘The Welcome Side-tables’, 2023

Two side tables (one with shelf in pink, one with drawer in olive) launched at Artefact exhibition at London Design Centre