DATE: 2 December 2025

From studio to gallery shop: Jim Robison limited edition ceramics now available

Celebrating his 50th year working in Yorkshire, American potter Jim Robison has worked with the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA) to create a limited edition of works for the Balcony Shop, using his trademark technique of ‘stretched clay’. 

York Museums Trust was delighted to commission Jim in celebration of his longstanding connection to York Art Gallery, in the year marking CoCA’s 10th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Booth House Gallery and Pottery in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, opened as studio and sales outlet by Robison in 1975.  

In response to the themes in Not a Pot, a redisplay of CoCA’s sculptural collections in York Art Gallery’s central 1st floor gallery, Robison has created 20 sculptural dishes that reflect his recognisable style and combine function and non-function.  

Jim Robison (b.1939), Aerial View, 1984.

One of Jim’s existing works, Aerial View, 1984  from the WA Ismay Collection  (pictured above) is displayed in Not a Pot. Keep an eye out for it when you next visit! 

This edition of work represents a further iteration of a design that Jim has explored and developed over the course of his working life, including some of his monumental public pieces. 

Jim Robison describes the process of creating this edition of dishes for York Art Gallery’s Balcony Shop, 

“Elaborate slab rolling techniques provide interesting openings and variations within this body of work. Multiple layers of clay are covered with porcelain and coloured slips.  These painted, stencilled and combed slips provide the initial patterns which are cut into shapes collaged and woven together before being repeatedly rolled, trimmed and pressed into shallow bowl forms. 

“Finished works are glazed and gas fired to stoneware temperatures in a reduction kiln, this creates additional colour and surface variables within the molten ceramic oxides. A handmade die is used to extrude lengths of clay for supportive foot rims. These have been pre-drilled should you wish to display this artwork on a wall.” 

Jim Robison limited edition sculptural dishes, a special commission for York Art Gallery’s Balcony Shop.

This year, Jim was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Ceramics Festival in Aberystwyth, in recognition of his contribution to the ceramic culture and community in Britain. 

Each ‘dish’ offers the opportunity to take home a small part of Robison’s much admired and extensive body of work. The 20 limited-edition ceramic works are individually marked and numbered, now available to buy in the Balcony Shop at York Art Gallery. 

These beautiful dishes cost £132 each. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a unique, limited-edition piece by one of Yorkshire’s most commended potters to add to your own collection or to gift to a loved one this Christmas. 

The Balcony Shop is free to visit during Gallery opening hours*. For more information about Jim Robison, visit Art UK’s website or the artist’s website. 

*Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10.00am – 5.00pm. Christmas opening hours apply, please check before visiting.