There’s something rather lovely about choosing a handmade ceramic piece. Perhaps it’s the mug that makes your morning cuppa feel a little more special, the vase that looks beautiful even before you’ve found flowers for it, or the cheerful little character that makes you smile every time you walk past.
At Wonky Wheel Gallery in Castle Hedingham, we love ceramics for all these reasons and more. Our collection brings together talented local makers, each with their own approach to clay, colour and form. Some pieces are made for everyday rituals; others are there simply to bring a little joy to your home.
A place with a pottery history
Our gallery’s home in Castle Hedingham has a creative history of its own. The village was the original home of Essex Pottery, founded in 1837, so it feels fitting to celebrate the work of contemporary ceramic artists here today.
Whether you’re already a pottery lover or are just beginning to notice the difference a handmade piece can bring to a room, we’d love to introduce you to a few of the makers whose work you can discover with us.
Studio Ri: quiet beauty for everyday moments
If you’re drawn to gentle colours and thoughtful shapes, take a look at Studio Ri. Working from a small garden studio in Cambridge, this maker creates small-batch ceramics influenced by Japanese aesthetics, natural textures, water, light and shadow.
The collection includes mugs, a rounded fruit bowl, a taper jug and miniature bud vases. A single stem in a little vase can be all you need to brighten a bedside table or kitchen shelf.
Marie Coomber: colour inspired by nature
For a splash of colour, explore the work of Marie Coomber, a self-taught ceramicist based in the Stour Valley. Marie works with speckled stoneware, combining exposed clay textures with smooth glazes and polished surfaces.
Her pieces take inspiration from nature and include striking angular bowls and vases in shades such as chartreuse and deep sea. They’re the sort of pieces that can hold their own on a shelf, as well as become part of your everyday routines.
Mingyu Du: calm, sculptural pottery
Mingyu Du creates hand-thrown and hand-built ceramics from her Cambridge garden studio. Her work is inspired by ancient vases, potters including Lucie Rie, and a desire to bring a sense of calm to daily life.
Mingyu explores subtle matte shades of white, cream and black. Among the pieces on our website are a moon jar, bowls, cups and vases—beautiful examples of functional art with a quietly sculptural presence.
Jen Leake: ceramics with a playful side
Not every ceramic piece needs to be practical. Sometimes its most important job is to make you smile.
Jen Leake primarily hand-builds her work, drawing on the colours and forms of traditional folk art and Scandinavian lino printing. Her playful approach includes quirky creatures pieces and this Christmas her amazing houses will be arriving soon.
Priscilla Stannard: a little joy from the countryside
Suffolk ceramic artist Priscilla Stannard takes inspiration from nature, creating hand-built pieces that are individually formed and painted. From happy hens and chicks to strawberry pigs and everlasting floral wreaths, her work is full of character.
A Priscilla piece makes a lovely gift for someone who enjoys the countryside—or a cheerful addition to your own mantelpiece.
Finding a piece that feels like you
The best thing about handmade ceramics is that there’s no “right” choice. You might be looking for a useful bowl, a thoughtful gift or a little something to make a corner of your home feel more you. Take your time and see what catches your eye.
If you’re choosing a gift, think about the person’s favourite colours, the flowers they love, or the small everyday moments they enjoy. And if you’re treating yourself? You don’t need an excuse. Sometimes “it makes me happy” is reason enough.
Come and discover your favourite
We’d love to welcome you to Wonky Wheel Gallery, Old Shop, Majendie Lane, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3FS. Come and see the shapes, colours and details for yourself—and ask us about the makers behind the pieces.
Christmas 2026 Last Postage Date
Just to let you know, our online store will close at midnight on 15th December 2026.
Any orders placed after this will be posted on or after 16th December 2026. You’re very welcome to keep browsing online, and click and collect will be available until 12 noon on 24th December.
If click and collect isn’t convenient, you’re welcome to email us at info@wonky-wheel.co.uk and we’ll do our very best to help with postage. We can’t guarantee delivery in time for Christmas: Royal Mail 2nd Class post is currently taking an average of 1–2 weeks to arrive, which is why our cut-off is 15th December 2026.