York Handmade teams up with renowned ceramic artist
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has proudly joined forces with one of the most talented and respected ceramics artists in the UK, Dr Maria Gasparian. Dr Maria Gasparian who is also a qualified architect is looking forward to working with the Alne-based brick manufacturer on future potential projects.
This exciting collaboration represents a unique blend of traditional brick making craftsmanship and cutting-edge ceramic design.
Celebrating craftsmanship and clay innovation
Mark Laksevics, senior sales manager with York Handmade, explained: “Both our managing director Guy Armitage and myself have known Maria for some years. As a qualified architect, as well as a talented and respected ceramic artist, Maria moves in the sectors of our industry where design and innovation are key.
“She carries out numerous high profile design commissions in clay, along with inspirational talks and publications on the wonders of working with clay. So, I was absolutely delighted to welcome her this week to our factory to show her what we are capable of, with our multi-disciplinary production techniques.
“Maria’s visit marks the start of our collaboration. She was inspired by our capabilities and potential and has some magnificent ideas on which she would like to work with us. As Maria commands such respect amongst the clay fraternity, this is a coup for York Handmade.”
Other York Handmade projects
“After giving Maria a full tour of our factory, during which she expertly threw a beautiful brick, we took Maria to see some of York Handmade’s prestigious projects across the city of York. These includes:
● York St John University: an award winning building showcasing contemporary architectural brickwork.
● Bootham and The Shambles: where heritage brickwork repairs using traditional handmade bricks have reserved the city’s character.
“Overall, it was such a privilege to welcome Maria to our factory. Her love of all things clay is infectious and her unique designs have brought a fresh perspective to all of us at York Handmade.”
Dr Gasparian commented: “It was wonderful to visit York Handmade’s factory and to see at first-hand what this award-winning manufacturer can produce. Using both the brickmaker’s skills and innovative machinery creates such a variety of products, which are needed so much for existing architecture.”
“It was very inspiring for me to see the use of high-quality local clay that created such a rich palette of colours, textures, and forms—from long-format bricks to intricate decorative details and paviours. What really stood out to me was the company’s flexibility and ability to adapt to the specifiers’ brief.”
“I very much look forward to collaborating with York Handmade in the creation of new products and designs that will contribute to the creation of varied and engaging architectural spaces.”
A creative partnership built in clay
This partnership promises to open new doors for architectural ceramics, bespoke brickwork, and innovative clay design that highlights the timeless value of handmade bricks in both artistic and structural applications.
