Discover John Julian Design's Passion for Porcelain

John Julian Design operates between craft and industry, a space that affords Julian Sainsbury the opportunity to play with mass production techniques, whilst adding a touch of character – of whimsy – to each piece he makes. Julian established his studio in 1999, first exhibiting at Egg in Kensington, London. It was there that chef Nigel Slater bought one of Sainbury’s iconic pestle and mortars – a beautiful, solid porcelain piece, developed following six month’s living in India with his partner, a chef. Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson soon followed Slater and Julian’s position as a master of porcelain was established.

‘Pestle & Mortar’ by John Julian Design

After studying ceramics at Cardiff College of Art, Sainsbury pursued a career in portrait sculpture. Despite a successful show at Browse & Derby, London, he began to wonder whether ceramics was his calling afterall. Needless to say, this brief sojourn provided him with an understanding of classical, stylised forms and naturalistic touches; it was also the impetus for his journey to India, a trip that awakened a love of craft, materials and form.

Over the years, Sainsbury has developed a distinct style based on classical and utilitarian influences. The resulting purity of form and finish was undoubtedly driven by considerations of functionality. As Julian explains, this inquisitive approach has prevailed throughout his career: “I give a lot of thought to proportion and form. I try very hard to be original for the present day whilst sourcing inspiration from the past”.

Julian Sainsbury at Work in His Studio (image courtesy of the maker)

In 2013, having finally lost patience with the restrictions of conventional mass manufacturing, Julian set up his own artisan workshop in Burcombe, Wiltshire overlooking the River Nadder. Here, the team produce ceramics in two different ways: some are made by hand on a jolley machine, a device that pushes and forms clay into a spinning mould; others are hand thrown on a potter’s wheel. When still a little damp, each form is turned out and fettled (smoothed off with a knife and sponge), and left to dry.

By his own admission, Julian often tires of white plates and so he collaborates with other artists – illustrators in particular, including Laura Carlin with whom he created an exclusive range for The New Craftsmen. That said, it is always important to Sainsbury that the form remains in tact; that any additional input doesn’t undermine the purity of the work. This charming idiosyncrasy belies his passion for porcelain, the purist of materials.

‘Cylinder Forms' by John Julian Design