Adela Powell’s ceramics were inspired by the sea and coastal landscape. She searched for universal patterns, textures and forms in nature, where science and art are inseparable. Her method was experimental and different every time. She used various clays including mud from the Dorset coast and from the Tamar River where she lived. Sometimes she incorporated other material she found at the water’s edge, both organic and inorganic. The inherent tactile and textural qualities of clay are enhanced with many layers of oxides, slips and glazes which she fired to 1265 degrees C in an electric kiln after a bisque firing in a gas kiln.

She was a professional potter for many years. Born in the Wirral, Cheshire, she read Natural Sciences at Liverpool University, and the science of the natural world always played a strong part in her inspiration including the effects of nature on manmade items that wash up on our beaches and rivers. Adela Powell’s ceramics examine rust and decay, strong forms with frangible surfaces, shell forms with smooth sensuous insides and robust ridged exteriors. She later attended Plymouth College of Art whilst bringing up her young family.

A move to Cornwall over 35 years ago had a great impact on her work. The natural environments of coast, moorland and river valleys influenced her in many ways which can clearly be seen in her forms and colours. Her techniques, including mark-making, inclusion of found materials and small pebbles, and glazes which were dripped and crackled, layered deep, with areas of shiny rich colour abutting chalky semi-transparent over-glazes, all combine to produce fascinating surfaces.

Adela Powell was a selected member of the Craft Potters Association and took part in the Celebrating Ceramics Fair in Oxford, at Innovations in Ceramic Art at the Guildhall, Cambridge, and at York Ceramics Fair. She enjoyed a long association with Badcocks Gallery in Newlyn, Penzance, who also showed her work at the Affordable Art Fairs in London. She exhibited regularly at Art in Clay at Hatfield and at Artmill Gallery, Plymouth.  

Although Adela Powell was no relation to Anna Powell, Director of Sladers Yard, it was always a pleasure to work with her and show her beautiful ceramics here.