Functional Clay shows surprising new ways of making and using ceramics

Clay was turned into musical instruments, climbing grips, children's toys and more for a 3 Days of Design exhibition from Danish ceramics platform Peach Corner. Both designers and ceramicists were among the 13 contributors to Functional Clay, which was on show at the Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen Studio in Copenhagen during 3 Days of Design. Some The post Functional Clay shows surprising new ways of making and using ceramics appeared first on Dezeen.

Functional Clay shows surprising new ways of making and using ceramics

Amalie Vöge Jensen at Functional Clay by Peach Corner

Clay was turned into musical instruments, climbing grips, children's toys and more for a 3 Days of Design exhibition from Danish ceramics platform Peach Corner.

Both designers and ceramicists were among the 13 contributors to Functional Clay, which was on show at the Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen Studio in Copenhagen during 3 Days of Design.

Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Functional Clay featured the work of 13 designers, ceramicists and studios

Some of the works showed techniques that are not typically used with clay, from 3D printing to sandblasting, while others suggest surprising new uses.

According to the organiser Peach Corner, an exhibition platform led by 12 artists, the aim was to challenge the perception of how clay can be used in design. This meant inviting creatives from both fields to produce work.

Zuzanna Skurka at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Zuzanna Skura turned clay into stackable toy building blocks

The results range from playful tableware to full-size experimental furniture.

"We invited both young talents and experienced makers and designers who have demonstrated their passion for and insight into materials, crafts and function, and who have a curious and visionary approach," said Peach Corner.

Depping & Jørgensen at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Depping & Jørgensen produced a table with a rough-textured ceramic tabletop

"Some work with reuse and ready-mades, low-tech production and novel production aesthetic," they said.

"Others embrace a digital or conceptual approach with new ways of viewing and using the clay and ceramics in relation to function, users and the audience."

Amalie Vöge Jensen and Cecilie Manz at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Amalie Vöge Jensen created a set of ceramic climbing grips

One of the most unusual interpretations came from Peach Corner member Amalie Vöge Jensen, who created a set of ceramic climbing grips featuring faces and other body parts.

Inspired by The Fall of the Titans, a 16th-century painting by Cornelis Cornelisz, the sculptural yet usable grips symbolise the human emotions involved in "reaching for something beyond one's grasp".

Cecilie Manz at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Cecilie Manz experimented with both sand-casting and slip-casting in porcelain

The daughter of two ceramicists, industrial designer Cecilie Manz experimented with both sand-casting and slip-casting in porcelain, creating tableware with cracked and bobbly surface textures.

Ceramicist Hilda Piazzolla showed a new side to her work in 3D-printed ceramics, creating a series of vessels that appear to have been stripped of their outer surfaces.

Ole Jensen at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Ole Jensen presented jugs and cups for serving water kefir and seasonal berries

Emerging designer Zuzanna Skura turned clay into stackable toy building blocks, while furniture design duo Depping & Jørgensen produced a table with a rough-textured ceramic tabletop.

Ceramic designer Ole Jensen presented jugs and cups, designed specifically for serving his homemade water kefir and seasonal berries, while ceramicist duo Claydies created mugs that also trumpet, whistle and rattle.

Jeppe Søndergaard at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Jeppe Søndergaard created flowerpot ashtrays with ceramic cigarette butts

One of the most humourous designs came from Peach Corner's Jeppe Søndergaard, who combined upside-down flowerpots with ceramic cigarette butts, creating pieces that serve as both ashtrays and artworks.

Completing the exhibition were pieces from Anne Tophøj, Birgit Marie Østerby, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Michael Geertsen and Petra Dalström.

Founded in 2021, Peach Corner typically hosts its exhibitions in a dedicated gallery in Frederiksgade 1, one of the major exhibition venues during 3 Days of Design.

The collective also hosted a concurrent exhibition here, titled Hard Edges, Soft Materials, featuring works by designer-maker Sho Ota and ceramic artist Martin Bodilsen Kaldahl.

Claydies at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Claydies created mugs that double as musical instruments

Functional Clay is one of its largest and most ambitious shows to date, made possible with support from the Danish Art Workshops and its director, Frederik Hardvendel.

"Assuming that it is still possible to distinguish between fine arts versus applied or utilitarian arts, this exhibition seeks to highlight the latter," said Peach Corner.

Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm at Functional Clay by Peach Corner — Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm turned an old trough into a piece of furniture

"The field is fluid, we know, and Peach Corner is always ready to provide artistic freedom, provide a platform for experimentation, be surprised — and expand the concept of ceramic design," it added.

The photography is by Ole Akhøj.

Functional Clay was on show from 18 to 20 June 2025 as part of 3 Days of Design. Visit Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.

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