Focus on ceramicist, Deborah Harwood
Deborah Harwood works exclusively with hand thrown porcelain, primarily with the Neriage technique (see below), a traditional method of layering coloured clays to form intricate patterns within the porcelain. After the firing of the work the surface is sanded and polished to create a silky and smooth surface.
She began her career in the arts as a literary agent, representing writers and directors until 2003, when she moved to Sussex and rediscovered her childhood love of art. She went on to earn a BA in Textile Art from Winchester School of Art, establish her own studio, and teach a textile art foundation course.
Before the Covid pandemic, Deborah Harwood took a sabbatical to focus on developing her own practice. While working with silk organza, she envisioned combining it with porcelain. A two-hour throwing workshop ignited a lasting passion for ceramics, leading her to buy a wheel and clay and practice daily.
Gallery Talk by Deborah Harwood - 19 November 2026
Join us at Tarrant Gallery for a talk by Deborah Harwood with a glass of wine.
Deborah Harwood will talk about her artistic practice, inspiration and technique.
Places are limited so please do book your place:
A Selection of Neriage decorated, Hand thrown vessels by Deborah Harwood
Clockwise from top left:
White/Blue Wide bowl, 16.5 cm wide by 11.5 cm tall
White/Blue/Black Tall Narrow Vases, 8 cm wide by 18/20 cm tall
White/Blue/Black Conical Vases, 9.5 cm wide by 11.5 cm tall
White/Green Tall Narrow Vases, 7 cm wide by 15/17 cm tall
White/Black Bulbous Vase, 10.5 cm wide by 15.5 cm tall
Three bowl/vases, 10.5 cm wide by 10 cm tall
Each pot goes through several stages before completion:
All pieces are hand thrown, decorated using the Neriage technique using multiple colours; the posts are then glazed on the inside and sanded then waxed on the outside.
See the currently available ceramics by Deborah Harwood in our online Ceramics Shop.
Landscape as Inspiration
The landscape around her studio in the South Downs National Park, nestled on the edge of the Goodwood Estate, profoundly influences her work. The rolling hills and views to the Channel inspire a sense of elegance and calm that she strives to capture in each piece.
Deborah Harwood focuses on emphasising the beauty of clean lines, using minimal colour. Guided by the ancient techniques of porcelain craftsmanship (see below), Deborah endeavours to reflect both timeless elegance and a modern aesthetic.
Deborah Harwood is a member of the Crafts Council, gives occasional ceramic workshops and exhibits her work at galleries in Cambridge and Cornwall as well at various ceramic events nationally (e.g. Potfest); her work is in private collections all over the world.
She says "I focus on creating forms that embody simplicity and grace, emphasising the beauty of clean lines and smooth surfaces. I use minimal colour, using the Neriage technique and this allows the colour to create its own landscape and movement. Guided by the ancient techniques of porcelain craftsmanship I endeavour to reflect both the timeless elegance and the modern aesthetic.
Through my pieces, I aim to evoke a meditative experience, encouraging a moment of pause and reflection in the bustle of life. I believe that the objects we surround ourselves with can influence our emotional landscape, and I aspire for my work to serve as a gentle reminder of tranquility and harmony."
Throwing a Tall Narrow Porcelain Vase by Deborah Harwood
Neriage
"Neriage" is a Japanese decorative ceramic technique that involves combining different coloured clays to create unique patterns within the structure of the piece. Unlike other techniques that apply surface decorations, neriage integrates the colors directly into the clay mass, which means that the patterns remain visible even if the piece is cut or sanded.
This technique produces complex visual effects, such as veins, spirals, marbling or layers, which are revealed as the clay is shaped or worked.
Neriage is achieved by layers of different coloured clay which have been kneaded, twisted and cut. The layers are then strategically placed in the pure white porcelain to create the desired designs and then hand thrown on the wheel to create the desired designs.
Unlike other techniques that apply surface decorations, neriage integrates the colours directly into the clay mass, which means that the patterns remain visible both inside and out even if the piece is cut or sanded. This technique produces complex visual effects, such as veins, spirals or layers, which are revealed as the clay is shaped or worked.
Neriage requires a high level of skill since using different coloured clays can casue the layers to shrink differently in the kiln.
It originated in ancient Chinese ceramics of the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), where it was used to create marbleised effects on porcelain and decorative pieces. It was rediscovered and perfected in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), and has since become an emblematic technique of Japanese art ceramics.
Deborah Harwood is a master of Neriage and her pieces are brilliant examples of this ancient technique.
[Neriage contrasts with "Nerikomi", which typically relies on hand-building and geometric slab assembly.]
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