Simon Olley

Man's best dog-friendly ceramic artist.

As a potter and ceramic artist Simon Olley is fascinated by the relationship that develops between man and man’s best friend. His work combines illustration and sgraffito in the commissions of unique pottery based on his customer’s favourite four-legged friends.

Simon also makes work celebrating the exciting (sometimes imaginary) life of his Labrador Retriever (the least demanding of supermodels) in permanent, everlasting ceramic form – so much easier to keep clean than the real thing!

Commission the art of creative custom ceramics – Simon Olley undertakes unique custom ceramics based upon one's lives, loves and special dogs.

Simon Olley is a Selected Member the Craft Potters Association.
The aim of the Craft Potters Association (CPA) is to promote and encourage the creation of high quality ceramics. Selected membership is a highly regarded title within the studio ceramics industry and is awarded to makers whose work demonstrates a very high technical and aesthetic level of sophistication.

At the age of nine, under the watchful eye and guiding hands of Tessa Oates, Simon threw his first ever pot on the wheel at Chipstead Craft Studios near Sevenoaks. He's experimented with just about every type of clay and used many different glazes and firings, however, some years ago his love of illustration brought him back to underglazes and imagery.

Simon says "All my work now is illustrated and also uses sgraffito techniques. I also hugely enjoy making custom work (commissions) where I get to work with my customers to create ceramic works of art, many with a canine theme."

London Potters 31st Annual Members Exhibition Brixton 2022:
Best Functional Exhibit Award

Contemporary Craft Festival Bovey Tracey 2022:
Best Stand in Show Award

Potfest Glynde 2022: Organisers’ Award
Potfest Glynde 2022: Visitors’ Award

London Potters 30th Annual Members Exhibition Morley Gallery 2017:
Best Decorated Work Award