Fresh Designer / Fresh China

Gary Birks, a twenty-something designer still working on his MA in Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University, is the brain behind these pretty pieces of bone china, and I have to send a solid high five his way for getting me this turned on to a freaking salt shaker. Currently, Gary is working for Wedgewood in a short eight week placement helping to improve on new and existing ranges (some of the results are shown above– I could cry over that tea cup it’s so pretty), but he’s also made a name for himself with a line of contemporary pet bowls that are being sold in a special line commissioned by eBay. What I find the most promising about Birks is his successful execution of such varied concepts; it’s amazing that he can execute a vinyl toy-inspired salt shaker as well as he can design a delicate cup and saucer. I don’t think it’s a good time for me to be investing in anything breakable, but if any of you want to get your hands on some of his designs, you can bid on them here.