Simple Shape reveal Jono Smart ceramics collaboration

Online homeware store Simple Shape has launched its first collaboration, with up-and-coming ceramicist Jono Smart

(Image credit: Yeshen Venema)

last updated 22 August 2022

Last year marked the launch of Simple Shape; a new e-commerce site celebrating British and Irish designer-makers. One year on, founder Helen Osgerby is taking the next step in making Simple Shape a platform for unique craft with the launch of its first design collaboration, with an up-and-coming ceramicist.

Keeping in line with Simple Shape's existing minimalist design aesthetic, they have invited potter Jono Smart to create tableware collection ‘Centre’. Together with input from Osgerby, the Berkshire-based designer has conceived a selection of wheel-thrown crockery including bowls, jugs and egg-cups (a tribute to the forthcoming Easter holiday) in chalky hues of milky coffee and darker chocolate.

‘I want to make things that are allowed to change over time,’ explains Smart. ‘I want the pieces I make to have character: to age, to feel human, not too precise, pristine or mechanical.’

Smart originally set out as a garden designer before finding himself inspired to start making pottery just a year ago. His creative process – wheel-thrown and fired organic clay – creates delicately raw silhouettes that naturally differ from one another. The stackable, stark collection is multipurpose; for example the jugs can also be used as vases.

'Centre' is a special, personable collection. Osgerby describes the results as ‘utility pieces with a raw beauty that carry the marks and traces of Jono’s hands’. When asked if this is the first of many exclusive collections to come, she is positive. 'Working in a relaxed, collaborative way with the best of the UK’s designers is certainly something Simple Shape would like to do more of,’ she muses. Watch this space.

Crockery includes bowls, jugs and egg-cups in chalky hues of milky coffee and darker chocolate. — Entitled ’Centre’, the collection of wheel-thrown crockery includes bowls, jugs and egg-cups in chalky hues of milky coffee and darker chocolate

Crockery set On table with vase — The earthy range keeps will in line with Simple Shape’s existing minimalist design aesthetic

Cups,Mug,plate and bowl in crockery — Smart’s creative process – in wheel-thrown and fired organic clay – creates delicately raw silhouettes that naturally differ from one another

Different shapes and colors of vase made from clay. — Simple Shape was launched last year by Helen Osgerby as a platform for British and Irish designer-makers

Simple Shapes of Bowls and plates. — ‘Working in a relaxed, collaborative way with the best of the UK’s designers is certainly something Simple Shape would like to do more of,’ Osgerby muses

INFORMATION

’Centre’ from £18. For more information, visit the Simple Shapes website

Photography: Yeshen Venema

Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.