PERPETUAL ASH

Project Overview

Perpetual Ash is a ceramic collection glazed with cigarette ash, a unique waste material. The clay is sourced from local construction sites, while the ash is collected from pub gardens. The project explores how overlooked waste can be repurposed into refined ceramic surfaces, addressing themes of reuse, sustainability, and human behaviour.

Ceramics is inherently energy-intensive, but there are many small yet meaningful ways to lessen our footprint through thoughtful, sustainable practices that minimise waste and reduce consumption. This glaze is one example, showing how we can create something beautiful and meaningful from materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Discovery

I was testing a wide variety of wood and plant ashes to create test tiles that demonstrated how the compounds within each ash affect the overall glaze results. During this process, I noticed an ashtray in the corner of the studio and decided to test the ash in a glaze recipe. Surprised by the firing results, I realised this unused material had real potential in a ceramic context whilst allowing me to reduce waste within my own glaze practice.This led me to contact pubs in the surrounding area, who agreed to put ash from their pub garden ashtrays into sealed bags, which are then collected.

Development

After tests and research I found that this was a viable glaze that utilises a completely unused waste material. The collection has built from there, the recipe has been tweaked numerous times, but the same factors has always been a minimum of 50% cigarette ash.  

In addition, I have experimented with adding other sources of waste materials, such discarded glass, sourced from along the River Thames.

Designs and Uses

The works range from small, intimate objects to large-scale vessels, operating as functional items both and sculptural elements within a space. Each glaze outcome is intentionally unpredictable, producing surfaces that complement natural and architectural materials such as concrete, wood, stone, and metal. This adaptability allows the work to inhabit both domestic interiors and architectural contexts, while embedding themes of reuse and sustainability within built environments.   

    All works within the Perpetual Ash collection are market-ready and available for purchase via my website. Commissions are available and can be tailored to specific scales, functions and spatial requirements. Pricing is quoted on a project-by-project basis, depending on scope, materials, and production time. Partnership required for large scale architectural projects.