Stephen Pearse Pottery
Based in Shanagarry in East Cork, a region renowned for its pottery traditions, Stephen Pearce is a prolific ceramic artist who's gained a worldwide following for his minimalist style of earthenware. His signature style of pottery is minimalist in its design, stylish yet functional and practical, somehow seeming to span the gap between traditional and contemporary.
Each piece of Stephen Pearce Pottery is hand crafted by a cadre of skilled potters, who wield the region's natural clay and the fresh water into a distinctive piece of Stephen Pearce pottery, also referred to as "earthenware," connoting the organic, traditional nature of his creations.
Stephen Pearce emphasizes his strong local roots in East Cork and contributions to the region's cultural heritage. His father in fact taught him the craft, through an apprenticeship back in 1962. While strongly rooted to East Cork, Stephen's skills and artistic vision have been greatly expanded, early in his career through studies with masters in England, France, and Japan, and more recently by traveling widely and maintaining a home in Italy.
Stephen's simple and functional design philosophy led to the creation of his Traditional range of earthenware in terracotta and white, praised for its simplicity and beauty. Later came the distinctive black and white style of his Contemporary range. Both have evolved into a recognizable trademark.
Stephen continues the tradition of Shanagarry pottery first started by his father more than 50 years ago. While the minimalist style may not be to everyone's liking, Stephen Pearce certainly deserves praise for his prolific work and business savvy. Stephen Pearce has become something of an institution across Ireland and has developed a worldwide clientele. His work can be found in the houses of the rich and famous, including Woody Allen's, Paul McCartney's, and Angela Lansbury's. He has recently embarked on a �2 million investment in production facilities, just down the road from the Emporium.
If You Go: Stephen Pearce Pottery is open year-round. Admission is free.
