Founder of JW Anderson and Dior’s Creative Director, fashion designer Jonathan Anderson is known around the world for his creativity, collaborations and love of craft.
This time last year JW Anderson announced a collaboration with Wedgwood, along with a rebrand and flagship store on London's Pimlico Road, described as ‘a curated space where fashion, objects and art converge’.
A passionate pottery collector, responsible for launching the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize (now in its tenth year) and working with some of the most renowned ceramic artists of our time – we explore the past, present and future of ceramics through the eyes of Jonathan Anderson.
Fashion, Objects & Art Converging
Jonathan Anderson has featured ceramics in his fashion collections multiple times over the years.
There was the JWA x Cornishware collaboration, with the iconic blue and white stripes playing a main role in his SS24 Milan show – a blue and white catwalk, custom crockery pieces and an oversized teapot.
When he collaborated with Wedgwood last year, there was a small clothing collection to complement this, like this Crockery Jacquard Jumper.
For his debut Dior show, he re-issued a decorative plate design from Christian Dior’s personal archive to use as invites.
Jonathan Anderson’s Personal Collection
In an interview with Crafts Council in 2021, Jonathan mentioned that his personal collection included works by Lucie Rie, Lynda Benglis, Hans Coper and John Ward – all of which have inspired his work or featured in the JW Anderson brand in some form.
Dame Prof. Magdalene Odundo DBE, a studio potter widely recognised as one of the world’s most esteemed ceramic artists, is a longtime friend and collaborator of Jonathan’s – with her work featuring on limited-edition blankets previously and her person in more recent campaign imagery.
Speaking to VOGUE about the importance of craft also in 2021 he said,
‘It engages with people. It shows responsibility and protection of things that people are forgetting are important. It employs people and ultimately is about the legacy that we pass from generation to generation.’
Curated Contemporary Crockery
Currently featured on the JW Anderson website you will find...
Akiko Hirai Ceramics
Akiko Hirai is a distinguished Japanese ceramicist. Born in 1970, in Shizaoka, Akiko moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins in the early 2000s, where she continues to live and work. Known for her distinctive use of traditional Japanese ceramic techniques, Akiko Hirai Ceramics are displayed in museums around the globe.
Nicholas Mosse Ceramics
Crafted in Kilkenny, JW Anderson’s collaboration with Nicholas Mosse celebrates Irish ceramic craftsmanship. Founded in 1976 by Nicholas and Susan Mosse, the studio is known for Irish Spongeware pottery, featuring patterns inspired by the Irish landscape.
JW Anderson presents a curated selection of everyday tableware. The blue and white pig motif from the Nicholas Mosse archive has been brought back exclusively for JW Anderson.
Wedgwood & Lucie Rie Ceramics
In 1964, British ceramicist Lucie Rie designed teacups and saucers for Wedgwood, personally writing a letter to the brand about a collaboration but they never went into production. Roll on 2025, when these pieces finally came to life in blue and white Jasperware, with the help of Jonathan. ‘This collaboration is a tribute to legacy and innovation, a continuation of Lucie Rie’s vision, and JW Anderson's ongoing celebration of craft, artistry and design as cultural heritage.’
The proceeds from these pieces will support the newly formed Lucie Rie and Hans Coper Foundation, which aims for long-term accessibility, digitisation and preservation of archival material. A grant making scheme will be established to promote academic and creative scholarships.
Following the Wedgwood x Lucie Rie pieces, a limited run of Wedgwood x JW Anderson mugs launched, inspired by Jonathan’s prized collection of Greek mugs – handmade in Stoke-on-Trent from blue, yellow and brown Jasperware.
JW Anderson Antique Ceramics
Woven through the homeware section of the JW Anderson website and the physical store, you’ll find an eclectic assortment of antiques and curios, such as these 19th century transfer decorated pottery darning eggs with hand-painted motifs.
‘JW Anderson's curation of objects are chosen for their unique craft, heritage techniques, pushed through a contemporary lens. Homeware features Irish pottery, linen, and Murano glass crafted by master artisans. Furniture combines sculptural form with traditional UK woodworking techniques and sustainable materials. The book selection offers rare and thoughtful works focused on craft and creative perspective. The art collection reflects Jonathan Anderson’s eye for the everyday, blending quiet beauty with poetic expression. The collection celebrates the enduring power of the handmade and the thoughtful.’
Taken from the JW Anderson website.
As for the future of ceramics, we have one eye firmly on Jonathan Anderson and the JW Anderson brand. With no signs of stopping, we’ll continue to watch and learn from his curated ceramics and craft collaborations, and can’t wait to see what he does next...