Louisa Taylor's research interests focus on museum collections of 18th Century dining vessels. Louisa is intrigued by high society dining rituals of the period and the performance of multi-course dining events. Her particular research interest lies with obsolete function and Louisa explores methods to redesign objects to create contemporary tableware for modern living. Louisa strives for a playfulness within her work and ultimately encourage user interaction and provoke conversation. Another area of interest is colour research for porcelain stoneware oxidised temperatures (1280°C). The subtle colour palette of Louisa’s work is directly influenced by hand painted decoration on historical tureens. Louisa deconstructs each individual colour and matches it with glaze. Her aim is to use the content of the decoration to inform the overall composition of the piece and combine this with honed forms. 

During Jan-June 2012, Louisa Taylor undertook a ceramics residency at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Her research explored the museum's collections of 18th-century porcelain wares, in particular Staffordshire pickle pots and spoon rests. The intention was to create objects that invited use and captured the playful qualities of the original pieces. This led to a collection of work entitled Papillion (2013) which explored the role of food history and the impact it has on the way we dine today. Louisa consulted with a food historian and was able to research food stuffs that were becoming available to the country during that time, such as pasta, chocolate and tropical fruits. There was greater awareness of health and well-being and new medical discoveries that radically changed diet, this included citrus fruit and the link between vitamin C preventing scurvy in sailors. Papillion collection was a series of serving dishes, made from porcelain, cut and assembled. In the base of each dish was a moulded detail of the food. The intention of the piece was, as the food was eaten from the vessel the moulded texture of the food stuff would be revealed to the user - creating a link between historical and modern dining. 

Louisa’s most recent work entitled Sophie Tea Set (2016) is a further conclusion to the body of research for Papillion and explores themes that were beginning to develop during the residency including the role of women in high society and historically the importance of tea rituals as a female social activity. The set is an interpretation of an 18^th Century centrepiece by the Meissen Factory. The tray has plinths built in to elevate the key components in the tea ceremony but to also create a sense of grandeur and occasion. The set is a personal response by Louisa as it was made to commemorate the special life of a loved one and to inspire a message of celebration. 

In 2019, Louisa undertook a week training course studying silversmithing and metal work skills at West Dean College, West Sussex. This has led to a progression in her research, exploring the link between metal forms of the 18th Century and porcelain forms of the same period. This project is ongoing. 

1. Louisa Taylor studied a BA (hons) degree in 3D Design: Ceramics, at Bath Spa University (2000-2003) and then spent a year working as a production potter in rural Lincolnshire. This was followed by a Masters degree in Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art, London (2004-2006). Louisa set up her ceramic business in October 2006 and received a Development Award from the Crafts Council in January 2007.

   In 2009, Louisa won the “Batch Production Award” at the prestigious British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke on Trent. This was followed by: “The Evening Standard Homes & Property Best Domestic Product 2009” and “UK Trade & Investment Silver Award for Innovation, Creativity and Potential to Export”.

   Louisa’s ceramic practice is based in Brighton, East Sussex where she produces her ceramics for galleries and collectors in the UK and internationally. Alongside making her work, Louisa is a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) 3D Design and Craft course at the University of Brighton and she is a professional member of the Crafts Potters Association and Contemporary Applied Arts, London. In 2012, Louisa undertook a six-month post (January – June) as artist in residence at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Louisa is the author of two books - Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker, published by Jacqui Small Publishing (2011), and Ceramics Masterclass, published by Thames and Hudson (2020). Ceramics: Tools and Techniques is published in the USA under the title of "Ceramics Bible" by Chronicle books and in 2022 a new revised 2nd edition was launched with updated content and images. A third book "Introduction to Glaze Practice" (working title) is currently in train and is due to be published in Spring 2023 by The Crowood Press. 

   Public collections of Louisa Taylor’s work include: Touchstones Museum, Rochdale; CoCA Museum, York; and Bristol Art Gallery and Museum.

    

Through my teaching I reflect and respond effectively to feedback to improve the student’s learning experience. I constantly refresh the content of our course modules to keep them to date and relevant to enable our students to feel confident and prepared for professional life beyond graduation.

Within my ceramics role, I have a playful and inclusive approach to my teaching. I like to encourage learning through process and enable students to feel confident in the development of their skills.

In 2019, I recieved an Excellence in Facilitating and Empowering Learning Award from the University of Brighton.