WORK OF THE WEEK: Edmund de Waal, Last Things, 2006
Edmund de Waal
Last Things, 2006
59 porcelain vessels, with 6 celadon glazes and 6 grey glazes, on a steel shelf
Tallest vessel: 7 ¼ in. (19.5 cm.) high
Overall: 6ft 8 ⅞ in. (180 cm.) long, including shelf
59 hand crafted porcelain vessels, the colours of which span six different shades of celadon and grey glaze, each bear an impression, in the form of a dent or imprint, of Edmund de Waal's hands. The subtle indications of the maker on each pot reflects a sense of the time that went into its creation, each vessel standing therefore as a uniquely crafted moment. In this sense, the vessels can be 'read' by the viewer, placed in a horizontal line on a dark steel plinth, like words on a page.
In Last Things, the undulating visual rhythm established by de Waal's placement of differently scaled vessels, like the tubes of a pipe organ, conjure a sense of dynamic and pulsating sound. It is the space in between the objects, as much as the objects themselves, that bring the work to life. Last Things links the convention of ceramics and craft to sculpture and fine art.
Edmund de Waal
Last Things, 2006
59 porcelain vessels, with 6 celadon glazes and 6 grey glazes, on a steel shelf
Tallest vessel: 7 ¼ in. (19.5 cm.) high
Overall: 6ft 8 ⅞ in. (180 cm.) long, including shelf
Edmund de Waal
Playing with fire
The New Art Centre is pleased to announce that we are now selling Edmund de Waal's Playing with Fire. The new publication corresponds with his exhibition: Playing with Fire: Edmund de Waal and Axel Salto at the Hepworth Wakefield. Both book and exhibition encompass a dialogue between De Waal and renowned Danish artist, Axel Salto, 'whose pots and poetry have inspired me for thirty years.' (Edmund De Waal). Although the two never met, they are connected through the influences and practices of their craft. The exhibition is the first major showing of Salto's work, comprising ceramics, illustrations, writings and textiles. Curated by De Waal, the exhibition also features a new major installation that reflects on Salto's work and influence, allowing De Waal to step into the role of both curator and collaborator. The exhibition is running from 22 November 2025 - 4 May 2026. To find out more about Edmund De Waal's work, please enquire below: