Unfixing &Gallery 3.8.24 – 31.8.24 For the month of August 2024 I will be presenting the solo exhibition Unfixing at &Gallery in Edinburgh “The exhibition will showcase wall and plinth based ceramic pieces, as well as a series of work on paper. Marking a new departure in her practice, Frances has focused on a collection of […]
Collect 2024
Collect with Cavaliero Finn Gallery 1st – 3rd March 2024 previews 28th and 29th February In April 2023 I was invited to spend a month in the Tower Studio of The Hugo Burge Foundation. No brief, no expectation, just time away from the routines and familiarity of my ceramic studio, in a peaceful rural setting in the […]
The Grit & The Glamour
The Grit & The Glamour is the debut exhibition from Bard, celebrating Scottish Craft & Craft in Scotland. I have created a collection of encaustic Tile|Trivets in colours inspired by the coastline of the Isle of Skye. Highly decorative and eminently durable, these small works can adorn a wall, act as a plinth for a […]
Marchmont Residency
I am grateful to Marchmont House for the invitation to take up a commission residency for the month of April 2023. After a busy 18 months, I am looking forward to spending time in the beautiful environment of Marchmont House, discovering new directions of travel in my own work, and exploring the house and collections. […]
Collect | Cavaliero Finn
For Collect 2023 with Cavaliero Finn I will be exhibiting a trio of vase forms from my Imbrication series. The work follows the evolution of a collection of decorative motifs drawn from the pages of The Grammar of Ornament. They chart a course through Classical Greek architecture, high Victorian decorative art, and 21st-century generative digital […]
Formed with Future Heritage
I will be presenting two new bodies of work at Formed with Future Heritage, a showcase of established and emerging makers curated by influential design journalist and curator Corinne Julius at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, 10th to the 14th October 2022. Byzantine is an installation of studio ceramics and wall tiles inspired by the Byzantine pages of […]
100 Acre Wood Fireplace
At the end of 2021 I spent two days by Loch Awe installing a bespoke tiled fireplace in the dining room of an extraordinary building designed by Denizen Works. The design brief looked for a response to decorative details in the main dining table by designer, Gregor Jenkin and a materials pallet of polished plaster […]
Imbrication
Imbrication, in collaboration with digital artist Sam Healy. Co-commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts and New Media Scotland’s Alt-w Fund with investment from Creative Scotland. “Motifs from the realm of decorative art and design dance and evolve on screen, tracing a journey from the ancient, analogue and physical, to the modern, digital and abstract. Craft techniques […]
Collection | Kirkcaldy Patterns i
Collection|Kirkcaldy Patterns i, is now installed in the Edinburgh Hematology Centre as part of a curated scheme of works commissioned by Edinburgh & Lothian Health Foundation and Round Table Projects. The work explores the industrial heritage of the Firth of Forth, through research into museum collections and archives relating to the prolific heritage of Kirkcaldy, […]
QEST Scholarship
I am thrilled to share news that I have been awarded a QEST Scholarship to undertake a period of training and research with heritage tile manufactures Craven Dunnill Jackfield. Work will commence on this project in January 2021 – www.qest.org.uk “The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) funds the education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, apprenticeships or one-to-one training with master […]
Patterns of Flora Colouring Book
I am very pleased to be working with Atlas Arts to make available an A4 printer friendly version of the Patterns of Flora Colouring Book, free to download from the Atlas Arts website until the the end of May. We are also delighted to be teaming up with The Kindness Wave to include copies of […]
Collect 2020
I will be exhibiting a new collection of work with Cavaliero Finn at Collect 2020 – Somerset House – 27th February to the 1st March 2020. Inspired by the Byzantine pages of The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones, this new group of pieces reflects on the source material depicted in the colourful chromolithographic pages […]
Artisan Edinburgh
I am very pleased to be included in Artisan Edinburgh by Catherine Aitken. The book features beautiful colour photographs and in depth interviews with 24 artists, designers and makers from across the City of Edinburgh. Published by The History Press and available in all good bookstores, you can also purchase a copy from www.catherineaitken.com
Alter
I am pleased to be presenting work in Alter at Fitzrovia Chapel, the latest exhibition from Cavaliero Finn. “Alter will be an examination of the transformative qualities of clay and the belief in the transformative power of material thinking through innovation and experimentation “ Featuring the work of ceramic artists; Matthew Chambers, Ashraf Hanna, Akiko […]
Lines From Scotland
I will be exhibiting a collection of drawings and ceramic samples from Patterns of Flora | Mapping Seven Raasay Habitats in the forthcoming Fife Contemporary exhibition Lines from Scotland. Curated by Amanda Game, the exhibition explores some of the many, varied ways that Scottish artists work/have worked with drawing and physical acts of mark-making as a […]
PAD London for Objet d’Emotion
A presentation of new ceramic new for Objet d’Emotion at PAD London – 30th September to 6th October. Working closely with Objet d”Emotion founder Valery Demure I have developed a new collection of works inspired by Chevron, Stripe and Asanoha motifs. The work is currently available exclusively through Objet d’Emotion. For further details contact concierge@objetdemotion.com […]
First Minister’s Local Heroes Collection
I am delighted to be invited by curator Stacey Hunter to contribute to The First Minister’s Local Heroes Collection – a presentation of work by ten Scottish designers presented in The First Ministers Office at The Scottish Parliament. “The invitation to place a selection of Scotland’s most interesting, innovative and well-crafted design into not only […]
Design Exhibition Scotland
Design Exhibition Scotland | Lyon & Turnbull 28th June – 2nd July 2019 I am thrilled to present a section of ‘The Tiled Corridor’ at Design Exhibition Scotland 2019, curated by Susanna Beaumont. “Design Exhibition Scotland celebrates exceptional objects for the everyday. A pioneering […]
Influences Of The East
Influences Of The East – The Bowes Museum June 22nd – September 15th 2019 ‘Influences Of The East’ brings together new and existing studio work with historic pieces from the oriental ceramic collection of The Bowes Museum, curated by Howard Coutts For the exhibition I have created a new group of works that respond to examples of Clobber Ware. […]
Collect 2019 with Cavaliero Finn
I am delighted to be presenting a new collection of pieces from the Grammar of Ornament – India series at Collect 2019 with Cavalliero Finn. Collect 2019 runs from February 28th to March 3rd at The Saatchi Gallery. For details on available work please contact www.cavalierofinn.com To purchase tickets for Collect visit www.craftscouncil.co.uk Photography […]
The Tiled Corridor
The Tiled Corridor is an Edinburgh Lothian Health Foundation commission for The Royal Edinburgh Hospital, an NHS hospital specialising in mental health. I have designed and created the work in collaboration with tile manufacturers Craven Dunnill Jackfield. The concept for the commission recalls a golden era in decorative tile use, responding to historical research into two […]
Home Faber – Best of Europe
Home Faber – Best of Europe 13th September – 30th September 2018 I will be exhibiting Gathering Places | Grammar of Ornament – India ii at Homo Faber – Best of Europe in the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, 13th September – 30th September 2018. “Homo Faber is an inspiring exhibition of European craftsmanship, an international cultural event […]
New to the National Collections – National Museums Scotland
New to the National Collections – National Museum of Scotland 17th August 2018 – 24th February 2019 Gathering Places | Grammar of Ornament – India iii will go on display in the New to the National Collections exhibition at The National Museum of Scotland from the 17th August 2018 – 24th February 2019. See the work […]
Collect 2018 with Scotland: Craft & Design at The Saatchi Gallery
I am delighted to be presenting a new collection of work at Collect 2018 with Scotland: Craft & Design at The Saatchi Gallery from Thursday 22nd – to Sunday 25th February 2018. Scotland: Craft & Design at Collect 2018 presents a showcase of exquisitely crafted statement pieces from 17 technically accomplished makers from across Scotland. I will be exhibiting a […]
A Fine Line
A Fine Line showcases works by four contemporary artists based in Scotland – Lizzie Farey, Angie Lewin, Frances Priest and Bronwen Sleigh. Working with a variety of media, but united by detailed observation and strong draughtsmanship, this group of artists experiment with linear mark-making and drawing in its widest sense. An essay to accompany […]
SOFA Chicago 2015 – Tansey Contemporary
I will be presenting a new collection of pieces from the Gathering Places series with Tansey Contemporary at SOFA Expo 2015, 5th – 8th November, Navy Pier Chicago.
SOFA Chicago: Tansey Contemporary
Tansey Contemporary have presented my work in SOFA Chicago 2013 & 2014. Follow this link for further information about the gallery and the work they currently hold for sale.
Wesley Barrell Craft Award
Architekten has been shortlisted for the 2014 Wesley Barrell Craft Award. Follow this link for more information on the award and this years short list.
Patterns of Flora
Patterns of Flora | Mapping Seven Raasay Habitats An Atlas Arts Commission by Frances Priest in Collaboration with botanist Stephen Bungard Launch Weekend 5th – 7th June at Raasay House on the Isle of Raasay Patterns of Flora | Mapping Seven Raasay Habitats is an ATLAS Arts commission by Frances Priest in collaboration with […]
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Children’s Department
A collection of vinyl wall panels, designed in response to a residency at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in 2013, have now been installed in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Children’s Department. This work forms part of a wider scheme of commissions lead by Ginkgo. A conference to mark the completion of the project will be held […]
Western General Hospital Breast Unit – Tulips
I am pleased to present a commission for the recently refurbished Western General Hospital Breast Unit Outpatient Waiting Room. The work has been conceived in response to a collection of prints by Elizabeth Blackadder which will also hang in the waiting room. A reception to celebrate the completion of the work is being held on […]
Pandora’s Light Box
A commission from Artlink Edinburgh & The Lothians to contribute to a collaborative project involving artists and visually impaired participants. The project combined poetry, sound and objects to create and present an audio description of the gallery spaces at the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh. Participants worked with poet Ken Cockburn to develop the descriptive […]
Artlink – St Johns Hospital
A residency for Artlink Edinburgh & The Lothians at St Johns Hospital in Livingston, working with patients and staff to generate work that would in some way alter and enliven specific spaces around the hospital. These included, The Mcmillan Daycare Centre, The Gym in Ward 17, The Psychology Department Meeting Room, The St Johns Gallery, […]
Yorkshire Arts Space – New Manor Ware
New Manor Ware is a bespoke table setting designed especially for the Banqueting Room of the Manor Lodge Turret House developed in response to the Yorkshire Artspace Ceramic Residency program based at their Manor Oaks Ceramic Studio and on site at Sheffield Manor Lodge. During the 17th century, local potter John Fox set up a […]
Ein Tag…
Ein Tag am Strand Galerie Handwerk 22nd June – 23rd July A celebration of summers at the beach featuring work by: Helen Beard, David Bielander, Marian Bijlenga, Helen Britton, Annemie De Corte, Katrin Eisenblatter & Astrid Triska, Hans Fisher, Neville French, Anne-Marie Gaspar, Sebastian Andreas Heger, Emmanuel Heringer, Mirjam Hiller, Charlotte Houman, Francoise Joris, Kilary […]
Fife Contemporay Art & Craft – Buckhynd Braes Bools
Fife Contemporary Art & Craft invited me to take up one of three residencies exploring the Fife coastal path supported by Celebrating Fife 2010. Based at Buckhaven Community Centre I worked with users of the Buckhaven Community Pottery and CLEAR to make contemporary versions of ceramic carpet bowls, also known as ‘Piggies’, which were traditionally […]
A Method For Creative Design
Work made in response to an invitation from visual artist Abraham Cruzvillegas to contribute work to Autoconstrucción a collaborative performance project for the gallery Kurimanzutto Mexico City, 20th May 2010. The objects depict a set of seven symbols devised by Adolfo Best Maugard for his book A Method for Creative Design published in 1927. The […]
Meet Your Maker
A Craftscotland project in partnership with the National Museums of Scotland, curated by Rose Watban. Meet Your Maker at NMS was an exhibition, event and workshop programme featuring work by 9 makers from across Scotland. For the exhibition I produced an expanded version of Gifts & Occupations, a piece of work first presented in the […]
Objects of touch & travel…
Solo exhibition for the Scottish Gallery in May 2009. An essay by Ellie Herring commissioned to accompany the exhibition can be downloaded from the Essay page. Photography: Shannon Tofts
Decoration Boxes
These boxes were first made for a group exhibition called International Boxes at the Scottish Gallery in January 2008. I continue to make new variations on the form, experimenting with glaze colour and pattern. The compositions envelop the boxes allowing them to act as deep containers or shallow trays. The origin of the forms are […]
Patternfield
Drawings produced during the Regents International School residency 05/06. Exhibited as part of The Drawing Room exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland showcasing work from the Drawing Room project.
CAA Focus
A focus exhibition for Contemporary Applied Arts held in June 2008. Work is related to the solo exhibition Surface & Shape Photography: Shannon Tofts
Shift
A private commission for a terrace space in Edinburgh. The work is based on ideas developed for the exhibition Surface & Shape Installation, fixtures and fittings were undertaken by Steve Dale Photography: Shannon Tofts
We Listened to Fourtet…
Regents International School residency 05/06. We Listened to Fourtet… was a temporary artwork sited in the grounds of Regents International School, created in collaboration with children attending the Fountain of Life Children’s Centre in Pattaya, Thailand. Initial ideas were developed through a series of drawing and making activities responding to music from the album Pause […]
Covepark
In May 2008 I was awarded the SAC Crafts Residency at Covepark, allowing me to spend three months developing new work for the exhibitions Making Spaces and Objects of touch and travel… Towards the end of the residency period a seminar day was held for a group of invited artists, curators, researchers and writers which […]
Surface & Shape
A solo exhibition for The Scottish Gallery held in August 2005 as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival program. An essay by Stuart Bennett commissioned to accompany the exhibition can be downloaded from the Essay page. A catalogue from the exhibition can be purchased through the Shop Photography: Shannon Tofts
Line & Form
Solo exhibition for The Scottish Gallery in May 2003. An essay by Amanda Game to accompany the exhibition can be downloaded from the Essay page. A set of 8 screen prints which formed part of the exhibition can be seen on the page Lines in a Square Photography: Shannon Tofts
Cumbernauld Underpass Project
A commission for North Lanarkshire Council to develop an artwork for the Eastfield Underpass at Auchinbee Way, Cumbernauld in collaboration with local primary school children. Primary 7 classes from St Andrews, Cumbernauld and Eastfield Primary Schools developed pattern designs in response to handling pieces of my own work and exploring images of decorated buildings from […]
Lines in a square
Screen prints produced for the exhibition Line & Form
Bone china forms
From 2000 – 2002 I worked predominantly with Bone china paper clay on a series of objects that focused on the notion of drawing in three dimensions, using the material to define positive and negative spaces. These objects evolved to include drawn marks on the surface of the bone china and led directly into work […]