Sam Haile tile

Part One: Sam Haile

 18 January – 9 March

In this first part of our sixth-month evolving exhibition, delve into the ceramics of the British Surrealist Sam Haile.

Discover the life and work of Sam Haile (1909–48), a British Surrealist painter and ceramicist, in Part I of Conscious Clay. Haile’s art captures the political and social upheavals of his time, offering insights that continue to resonate today.

Haile’s ceramics are far more than decorative objects—they are bold commentaries on the turbulence of the 1930s and 1940s. Against the backdrop of rising Fascism and the looming threat of World War II, Haile used simple earthenware pots as canvases for surreal, thought-provoking imagery. His vessels, featuring distorted figures and unsettling scenes, invite us to reflect on society’s struggles and the complexities of the human condition.

This chapter of Conscious Clay highlights Haile’s mastery of slipware, a medium he used to explore political and philosophical themes. The exhibition showcases a rich collection of his ceramic works, providing context for his enduring influence and relevance today.

Conscious Clay will continue into Part II: Emilie Taylor from the 15 March and will showcase a never-before-seen vase by contemporary British ceramicist Emilie Taylor, created as a direct response to Haile’s slipware. Like Haile, Taylor’s work engages with social and political themes, addressing contemporary issues, and will be exhibited alongside Haile’s ceramics throughout the duration of Conscious Clay.

Opening Hours:

  • Wednesdays: 13:00-16:00hrs
  • Fridays: 13:00-16:00hrs
  • Saturdays: 11:00-16:00hrs
  • Sundays: 11:00-16:00hrs