Jenny McCarthy, a 48-year-old artist and potter from Aigburth, is launching Clayze, Liverpool's first dedicated handmade ceramics market. The event will take place at The Old Police Station on Lark Lane on Sunday, November 1, bringing more than 30 ceramicists under one roof to sell their work to the public.
While Liverpool has numerous shops and stalls selling ceramics, McCarthy believes Clayze will be the city's first market dedicated entirely to the craft. Entry to the event is free.
A long-held dream realised
McCarthy, whose own work predominantly uses watercolours and ceramics and who has a background teaching fine art, had long dreamt of creating the dedicated event. With her four-year-old son Charlie starting school this year, she felt it was the perfect time to bring the idea to life.
McCarthy said: "Liverpool has such a strong creative, artistic, and cultural identity, yet there hasn't previously been a dedicated market where ceramicists can gather to sell their handmade work directly to the public. To have so many makers under one roof is quite unique. This event should shine a light on them."
Showcasing local talent
The market will showcase established potters and ceramic artists from across Liverpool and beyond, alongside local community studios such as Lark Lane Pottery, Baltic Clay, and Altar. There will also be a pop-up cafe on site.
For several participating artists, Clayze will mark their first time exhibiting to the public or selling their work. Demand for stalls has been overwhelming, and McCarthy, who lives in Aigburth, hopes it can bring people together.
Full to capacity
McCarthy said: "We're already full and I've had to turn people away. People have been saying, 'Thank you so much for organising this.'"
Clayze Handmade Pottery Market will take place at The Old Police Station on Lark Lane from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, November 1. McCarthy will soon be taking bookings for her next market planned for early 2027 via email at clayzehandmade@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @clayzehandmade@gmail.
