When Rupert Spira started his workshop in 1983 he felt like the only potter left in Britain. Sixteen years later ceramics have not only become respectable but fashionable. Spira's pieces sell for thousands of pounds. The closer we become to machines, the more people appreciate hand-made pieces, whether they are beautiful linens or ceramics. Pots can now be found in Bond Street galleries, Liberty, Heal's and fashion houses, such as Nicole Farhi and Margaret Howell.
Pots add ritual and ceremony to life.
They are also an investment. More and more their pieces are considered great works of art. Now the prices are enormous. It's a constantly growing market. New York is also about to enter the fray, which will push prices up further.